Work Authorization: Applicants must be U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) We are unable to sponsor or work with candidates on any type of visa, including but not limited to H-1B, H-4, F-1, CPT/OPT, L-1, TN, or EAD-based visas.
Position Summary
The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for driving supplier quality performance, supporting new product introductions, and strengthening supplier quality systems to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality materials and components. This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, and suppliers to improve quality, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate and qualify new suppliers as part of the supplier selection and onboarding process.
- Partner with suppliers to identify and implement cost reduction and quality improvement initiatives.
- Monitor supplier performance metrics and lead continuous improvement efforts aimed at reducing supplier-related quality issues and associated costs.
- Support the development and advancement of supplier quality systems with the goal of increasing supplier autonomy and minimizing incoming inspection requirements.
- Participate in new product launches using Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodologies, ensuring supplier deliverables and quality documentation are completed on schedule.
- Collaborate with Engineering to define material specifications and identify critical and significant product characteristics affecting supplier-produced components.
- Provide guidance and support to suppliers in the development of Control Plans, Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEA), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation, and other quality planning requirements.
- Review and approve supplier PPAP submissions to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Administer supplier deviation requests and engineering approval processes related to non-conforming materials or product changes.
- Conduct supplier quality system and process audits to verify adherence to quality requirements and industry best practices.
- Recommend receiving inspection criteria and assist with the disposition of non-conforming materials when necessary.
- Lead supplier corrective action activities, including root cause investigations, containment actions, corrective measures, and verification of effectiveness.
- Develop and maintain supplier scorecards and performance reporting metrics.
- Track and maintain records for company-owned tooling located at supplier facilities.
- Manage approved supplier records, supplier certifications, and special process qualifications.
- Maintain and update supplier quality policies, procedures, and standards.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to quickly learn and use new systems and software tools.
- Skilled at collaborating with cross-functional teams and building productive supplier relationships.
- Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and effectiveness while working through changing priorities and challenging situations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- At least three years of quality engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience conducting supplier and/or quality system audits; IATF auditing experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and other core quality tools.
- Experience supporting automotive, heavy equipment, commercial vehicle, or Tier 1 supplier environments is highly desirable.
- Willingness to travel approximately 15-20%, including occasional international travel.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.