Supplier Quality Engineer

Hutchinson; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Hutchinson in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer to support Purchasing, conduct supplier audits, and drive continuous improvement in the supply base. You will analyze supplier performance, coordinate corrective actions, and help qualify new supplier materials within a structured NPD process.

The role emphasizes root cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration with Engineering and Manufacturing, and a strong focus on defect prevention and quality improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering and 6+ years related experience or equivalent.
• Experience with supplier audits and quality systems.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with PPAP, 8D, Lean/Six Sigma methods.

Responsibilities

• Support Purchasing to ensure supplier performance is regularly reported and corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain and update supplier audit system and schedule.
• Conduct supplier audits to drive standardization and continuous improvement.
• Monitor and improve supply chain performance including on-time delivery and quality.
• Promote root cause analysis with suppliers to prevent recurrence of non-conformances.
• Help resolve supplier technical issues to ensure continuity of supply.
• Assist in evaluating and qualifying new supplier materials (PPAP).
• Drive Zero Defects mentality within the supply base.
• Log MCN and MCN debits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Project management experience

Lean/Six Sigma knowledge

8D/PPAP knowledge

ERP/office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

MAPICS

Excel

Lotus

Word

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Purchasing to ensure supplier performance is regularly reported, and that appropriate and timely corrective actions are implemented.

• Maintain and update critical supplier audit system and schedule.

• Conduct supplier audits to drive process standardization, waste elimination, and continuous improvement.

• Monitor, communicate and improve supply chain, including Supplier OTD (Past due), Quality and communication.

• Communicate short / long term supplier quality goals.

• Promote problem solving and root cause analysis activities with suppliers to eliminate recurrence of non-conformances.

• Work to resolve supplier technical issues in a timely manner to ensure continuity of supply.

• Support Purchasing in developing long‑term supplier relationships.

• Aide Engineering/Manufacturing in the evaluation and qualification of new supplier materials (PPAP) following a defined new product development process.

• Drive “Zero Defects” mentality within the supply base.

• Analyze and log MCN and MCN debits.

• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, advanced computer skills using Microsoft Office applications, strong problem‑solving skills, strong organizational skills, understanding of project management (experience preferred), knowledge of various quality system methodologies 8D, Lean, 5 Why’s, Pareto Analysis, Six Sigma, 8‑D, DFMEA, PFMEA, PPAP, etc. preferred. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, work well with diverse groups of people and be able to function independently of direct supervision.

Must have good interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with Supply Base, HAV’s Engineering, Quality, and other plant and office personnel. Attention to detail and accuracy.

EDUCATION &/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering and 6 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Must have good computer skills with a working knowledge of Excel, Word, Lotus, MAPICS.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and process several abstract and concrete variables. Must be able to assess reasonableness of the analysis performed.