Supplier Quality Engineer

The Keystone Distinction Group; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Keystone Distinction Group in Omaha, Nebraska is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure materials meet requirements and to lead supplier audits and improvements.

The role reports to the QA Manager, involves PPAP, FAI, and traveling up to 60%. Requires a BS in engineering or related field and at least 2 years of supplier quality experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 2 years' supplier quality experience.
• Experience with PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and 8D methodologies.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949 or similar standards.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains supplier quality assurance standards and procedures.
• Conducts on-site supplier audits and process capability assessments.
• Leads supplier qualification activities including PPAP and process validation.
• Manages supplier performance metrics and scorecards.
• Drives corrective and preventive actions for supplier issues.
• Collaborates with Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations to resolve issues.

Skills

Quality mindset

Root cause analysis

Audits

Cross-functional collaboration

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

PPAP

FMEA

SPC

8D

Job description

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Salary: $85-100K plus bonus

Job Summary of the Supplier Quality Engineer: The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring the quality of materials and components supplied to the organization meets established requirements and standards. This role serves as the primary liaison between the company and its suppliers regarding quality issues, audits, and continuous improvement. The Supplier Quality Engineer will lead efforts to qualify new suppliers, audit supplier quality management systems, manage supplier performance and scorecards, and drive corrective and preventive actions for supplier-related issues. This position will report to the Quality Assurance Manager and support the company’s overall quality assurance and operational objectives, ensuring suppliers are aligned with business and customer requirements.

Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Supplier Quality Engineer:

• Develops, implements, and maintains supplier quality assurance standards, processes, and procedures.
• Conducts on-site supplier audits to assess quality management systems and process capability.
• Leads supplier qualification activities including initial assessments, process validation, and approval.
• Manages supplier performance metrics and scorecards; regularly reviews results and drives improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Investigates, analyzes, and resolves supplier quality issues using root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Works cross-functionally with Engineering, Purchasing, and Operations to resolve non-conforming material issues.
• Reviews and approves supplier PPAPs, FAI reports, and other quality documentation as required.
• Supports the development and execution of supplier improvement plans and monitors implementation.
• Collaborates with suppliers to achieve process improvements, reduce variation, and ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards (ISO 9001, 14001, REACH/RoHS etc.).
• Maintains accurate records of supplier audits, corrective actions, and ongoing performance.
• Communicates quality expectations and requirements to suppliers.
• Conducts and supports the internal audit process in accordance with ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 standards
• Supports new product introduction and change management processes as they relate to supplier quality.
• Provides training to internal stakeholders on supplier quality-related procedures and best practices.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support supplier development activities, traveling from 40-60% of the time depending on project needs.

Education & Experience Requirements of the Supplier Quality Engineer:

• o Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related technical field from a four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• o Minimum of 2 years’ experience in supplier quality engineering, quality assurance, or related field.
• o Working knowledge of quality tools and methodologies such as PPAP, FMEA, SPC, 8D, and root cause analysis.
• o Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other industry quality standards.
• o Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interface with internal teams and external suppliers.
• o Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.