Supplier Quality Engineer

Central States, Inc.; Osseo (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO/ESST

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Paid weekly

Vision and Dental Insurance

401K / Life Insurance / STD

Job summary

Central States, Inc. is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of components from our supply base for the switchgear sector. This role focuses on supplier performance improvement, compliance with standards, and proactive risk mitigation.

The position combines quality engineering with supplier development to support operational excellence, driving audits, PPAP/APQP, and continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of supplier quality or development engineering experience in electrical or mechanical components.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, and ISO 13485 standards.
• Strong knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for supplier engagement.
• Ability to travel to supplier locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements and specifications.
• Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and product) to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Manage incoming quality issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions using 8D and FMEA.
• Implement supplier scorecards and performance metrics (quality, delivery, responsiveness).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives at supplier sites, including Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborate with suppliers on process capability studies and APQP.
• Support supplier qualification for new components and processes by utilizing PPAP principles.
• Review and approve supplier control plans, inspection methods, and validation protocols.
• Ensure compliance with industry-specific requirements (e.g., automotive IATF 16949, aerospace AS9100, medical ISO 13485).
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain related to quality and delivery.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory and customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain documentation and reporting for audits and certifications.

Skills

ISO 9001

AS9100

IATF 16949

ISO 13485

PPAP

APQP

FMEA

SPC

Root Cause Analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Travel

Switchgear experience

CQE/Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of components and materials sourced from our supply base. This role will focus on supplier performance improvement, compliance with industry standards, and proactive risk mitigation. The position combines quality engineering principles with supplier development strategies to support operational excellence in the switchgear industry, leveraging best practices from automotive, aerospace, and medical device sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Management

• Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements and specifications.


• Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and product) to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and applicable regulatory standards.


• Manage incoming quality issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions using tools such as 8D and FMEA.

Supplier Development

• Implement supplier scorecards and performance metrics (quality, delivery, responsiveness).


• Drive continuous improvement initiatives at supplier sites, including Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.


• Collaborate with suppliers on process capability studies and advanced quality planning (APQP).

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Support supplier qualification for new components and processes by utilizing PPAP principles.


• Review and approve supplier control plans, inspection methods, and validation protocols.


• Ensure compliance with industry-specific requirements (e.g., automotive IATF 16949, aerospace AS9100, medical ISO 13485).

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain related to quality and delivery.


• Ensure adherence to regulatory and customer-specific requirements.


• Maintain documentation and reporting for audits and certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.


• 5+ years of experience in supplier quality or development engineering, preferably in electrical or mechanical components.


• Familiarity with standards: ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 13485.


• Strong knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis tools.


• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for supplier engagement.


• Ability to travel to supplier locations as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in switchgear or electrical equipment manufacturing.


• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.


• Knowledge of regulatory compliance for aerospace and medical device industries.

Benefits

• PTO/ESST


• Paid holidays


• $100 individual deductible and $300 family deductible health insurance


• Paid Weekly


• Vision and Dental Insurance


• 401K / Life Insurance / STD