Supplier Quality Engineer

Cobalt Boats; Neodesha (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Malibu Boats Inc. in Kansas is seeking a Plant Supplier Quality Engineer / Lead to ensure incoming materials meet strict quality, performance, and reliability standards for high‑performance marine manufacturing.

You will partner with purchasing, operations, engineering, and suppliers to drive defect prevention, supplier development, and continuous improvement across the supply chain, while maintaining production flow and product integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing quality.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and control plans.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Experience with supplier audits and development.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary quality interface between the plant and production suppliers.
• Maintain supplier quality performance metrics (PPM, on-time delivery, corrective actions, warranty impact).
• Lead supplier selection support activities including APQP, PFMEA, and PPAP for new parts and changes.
• Establish and maintain incoming inspection standards and containment activities.
• Lead corrective actions using 8D, DMAIC, and A3; perform root cause analysis and verify effectiveness.

Skills

APQP & PPAP

FMEA & Control Plans

Root Cause Analysis

Supplier Audits

Cross-functional Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Quality/Manufacturing or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Plant Supplier Quality Engineer / Lead is responsible for ensuring incoming supplier materials and components meet Malibu Boats’ quality, performance, and reliability standards to support high-performance marine manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with purchasing, operations, engineering, and key suppliers to drive defect prevention, supplier development, and continuous improvement throughout the supply chain. This leader will play a critical role in maintaining production flow, product integrity (cosmetic, functional, structural), and customer satisfaction by proactively managing supplier quality risks in a fast-paced, built-to-order boat manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Management

• Serve as the primary quality interface between MBI plant location and production suppliers.
• Maintain supplier quality performance metrics (PPM, on‑time delivery, corrective actions, warranty impact) via scorecard.
• Lead supplier selection support activities (engaged in product development prior to sourcing), including:
  • Supplier APQP participation
  • Risk assessments (PFMEA, control plans)
  • PPAP approvals for new parts and changes

Incoming Quality & Production Support

• Establish and maintain incoming inspection standards.
• Drive containment activities to minimize line disruptions due to supplier defects.
• Collaborate with production teams to resolve quality issues.

Corrective Action & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and manage supplier corrective actions using structured methods (8D, DMAIC, A3).
• Perform root cause analysis on supplier‑related defects affecting production or field performance.
• Track and verify effectiveness of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing and process capability improvements.

Supplier Development

• Identify Top 5 suppliers (using scorecard data) needing process/product development to improve part quality – develop a plan and achieve results.
• Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and layered process audits).
• Drive supplier capability improvements aligned to Malibu’s expectations for:
  • High‑end finish quality
  • Durability in marine environments
  • Consistency in custom configurations
• Develop strategic supplier relationships focused on long‑term quality performance and innovation.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to ensure supplier quality readiness for new boat models.
• Ensure early supplier involvement for:
  • Design for manufacturability (DFM)
  • Material validation (UV resistance, corrosion resistance, etc.)
  • Prototype and pilot build support.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze supplier‑related quality trends impacting:
  • Production efficiency
  • Scrap/rework costs.
  • Warranty/field failures
• Provide insights and action recommendations to leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing quality
• Experience with:
  • APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans
  • Root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
  • Supplier audits and development
• Solid/strong understanding of a variety of manufacturing processes (i.e. - composites, assembly, electrical, or metal fabrication preferred)

Preferred

• Experience in marine, automotive, RV, or durable goods manufacturing
• Familiarity with cosmetic quality standards and customer‑driven customization environments
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Engineer (CSQE)

Key Competencies

• Strong communicator – self‑directed – results focused – lean mindset – team “first.”
• Strong cross‑functional leadership (quality, operations, supply chain)
• Ability to balance production urgency with disciplined quality processes.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Supplier relationship management and influence
• High diligence, especially in fit, finishing, and aesthetic quality

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with frequent supplier interaction.
• Occasional travel (10–25%) to supplier sites.
• Fast‑paced, direct role supporting a premium product with high customer expectations.

Success Metrics

• Must successfully be focused on relationship building and teamwork.
• Reduction in supplier PPM and plant disruptions.
• Improved supplier responsiveness and corrective action effectiveness.
• Improved supplier scorecard metrics – Top 5 plus overall.
• Reduced cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Successful launch quality from suppliers for new/modified boat models and components.
• Warranty reduction tied to supplier defects.

Why Malibu Boats Inc.

Join a team committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and delivering industry‑leading performance on the water. This role directly impacts the quality and reputation of premium recreational boats by ensuring every component meets the highest standards.