Supplier Quality Engineer

Genuine Search Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Genuine Search Group seeks a dynamic Supplier Quality Engineer to join our automotive manufacturing team. You will partner directly with our supplier network, splitting time between strategic oversight and hands-on, on-site collaboration. This role emphasizes root cause analysis, APQP/PPAP, audits against IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, plus monitoring supplier quality KPIs.

Travel up to 50% to supplier plants. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's in engineering and 3+ years in automotive quality, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, electrical or industrial engineering or equivalent.
• 3+ years of quality engineering experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Deep familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, FMEA and Control Plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development and act as the primary technical liaison between suppliers and internal engineering teams.
• Conduct containment, root-cause investigations and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa).
• Drive APQP/PPAP for new component launches, ensuring smooth prototype to mass production.
• Perform on-site supplier process audits (VDA 6.3, IATF 16949) and drive continuous improvement plans.
• Monitor, score and report supplier quality KPIs to executive leadership.

Skills

Supplier development

Root cause analysis

APQP/PPAP

IATF 16949

Communication abilities

Education

Bachelor's in engineering

Tools

IATF 16949

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic, solutions-driven Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join our growing automotive manufacturing team. In this role, you won't just be auditing processes from a desk — you will be the face of our company on the front lines, partnering directly with our supplier network.

With 50% travel, this role is designed for a relationship-builder who thrives on the move. You will collaborate with suppliers to resolve complex quality issues, launch new programs, and drive continuous improvement, ensuring our supply chain matches our rigorous standards for automotive excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Your time will be split between strategic oversight and hands‑on, on‑site supplier collaboration:

• Supplier Partnership & Development: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers. Act as the primary technical liaison between supplier manufacturing sites and our internal engineering teams.
• Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving: Lead containment, root cause investigations, and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) for supplier‑related quality issues to minimize production downtime.
• NPI & APQP Oversight: Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new component launches, ensuring flawless execution from prototype to mass production.
• Auditing & Compliance: Conduct regular on‑site supplier process audits (VDA 6.3, IATF 16949) to assess technical capability, identify risks, and mandate continuous improvement plans.
• Performance Metrics: Monitor, score, and report on supplier quality KPIs (PPM, non‑conformance rates), presenting findings to executive leadership.

The Travel Reality

This position requires up to 50% travel — sometimes at short notice — to visit supplier plants. The ideal candidate views this as an exciting opportunity to drive change directly on the shop floor.

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor's in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent technical experience).
• Experience: 3+ years of quality engineering experience specifically within the automotive manufacturing sector.
• Core Toolkit: Deep familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Control Plans.

Core Competencies

• Elite Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. You can gracefully navigate tough conversations with suppliers while maintaining a partnership‑first mindset.
• High‑Level Problem Solving: A proven track record of diagnosing complex manufacturing defects using data‑driven methodologies (Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a major plus).
• Relationship-First Mindset: Ability to quickly build trust with cross‑functional teams and external supplier leadership.