Supplier Quality Engineer

Katalyst CRO; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking a Supplier Quality Subject Matter Expert to lead initiatives that elevate supplier quality systems and standardize best practices across the supply base. The role focuses on identifying gaps in supplier quality processes, driving continuous improvement, improving COPQ, and ensuring alignment with manufacturing and business objectives.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to resolve systemic issues and support supplier

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Strong experience in supplier quality management including PPAP, APQP, 8D, and supplier performance metrics.
• Experience in process assessment, gap analysis, and standardization of quality systems.
• Strong understanding of PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and COPQ.
• Preferred CQE, CQA certifications or equivalent.
• Experience in ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 environments.
• Exposure to complex manufacturing or electro-mechanical supply chains.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills for KPI tracking.
• Advantage: HVAC systems, validation methods, industry standards such as ASHRAE.

Responsibilities

• Assess and identify gaps in supplier quality processes including PPAP, 8D corrective actions, incoming quality, and supplier performance metrics.
• Define and implement SOPs for supplier quality engineers and suppliers.
• Improve PPAP quality and FPY through standardized review criteria and readiness.
• Strengthen corrective action effectiveness through root-cause analysis and permanent solutions.
• Develop and execute COPQ reduction strategies targeting high-impact suppliers.
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and capability evaluations to improve compliance and maturity.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to resolve systemic issues.
• Lead supplier development initiatives including improvement plans and follow-up actions.
• Drive defect prevention, incoming quality stabilization, and long-term quality improvements.
• Develop supplier scorecards covering PPM, SCAR aging, COPQ, and audit results.
• Support HVAC-related supplier quality activities including validation, leak testing, and thermal performance compliance.

Skills

PPAP & APQP

8D problem solving

Data analysis & KPIs

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

CQE / CQA preferred

ISO 9001 / IATF 16949 experience

HVAC systems knowledge (advantage)

Job description

• The Supplier Quality SME provides technical and process leadership to enhance supplier quality systems and standardize best practices across the supply base
• Focuses on identifying gaps in supplier quality processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Works to improve supplier performance, reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and ensure consistent compliance and efficiency
• Ensures supplier quality systems are aligned with manufacturing and business objectives
• Assess and identify gaps in supplier quality processes including PPAP, 8D corrective actions, incoming quality, and supplier performance metrics
• Define and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for supplier quality engineers and suppliers
• Improve PPAP quality and First Pass Yield (FPY) through standardized review criteria and readiness expectations
• Strengthen corrective action effectiveness through proper root cause analysis and validation of permanent solutions
• Develop and execute COPQ reduction strategies targeting high-impact suppliers and recurring issues
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and capability evaluations to improve compliance and maturity
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to resolve systemic supplier issues
• Lead supplier development initiatives including improvement plans and follow-up actions
• Drive defect prevention, incoming quality stabilization, and long-term quality improvement initiatives
• Develop supplier scorecards covering PPM, SCAR aging, COPQ, and audit results and support supplier performance reviews
• Support HVAC-related supplier quality activities including validation, leak testing, pressure integrity, and thermal performance compliance

Job Summary

• The Supplier Quality SME provides technical and process leadership to enhance supplier quality systems and standardize best practices across the supply base
• Focuses on identifying gaps in supplier quality processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Works to improve supplier performance, reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and ensure consistent compliance and efficiency
• Ensures supplier quality systems are aligned with manufacturing and business objectives

Roles & Responsibilities

• Assess and identify gaps in supplier quality processes including PPAP, 8D corrective actions, incoming quality, and supplier performance metrics
• Define and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for supplier quality engineers and suppliers
• Improve PPAP quality and First Pass Yield (FPY) through standardized review criteria and readiness expectations
• Strengthen corrective action effectiveness through proper root cause analysis and validation of permanent solutions
• Develop and execute COPQ reduction strategies targeting high-impact suppliers and recurring issues
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and capability evaluations to improve compliance and maturity
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to resolve systemic supplier issues
• Lead supplier development initiatives including improvement plans and follow-up actions
• Drive defect prevention, incoming quality stabilization, and long-term quality improvement initiatives
• Develop supplier scorecards covering PPM, SCAR aging, COPQ, and audit results and support supplier performance reviews
• Support HVAC-related supplier quality activities including validation, leak testing, pressure integrity, and thermal performance compliance

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Quality, or related field)
• Strong experience in supplier quality management including PPAP, APQP, 8D, and supplier performance metrics
• Experience in process assessment, gap analysis, and standardization of quality systems
• Strong understanding of quality tools such as PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and COPQ
• Preferred certifications: CQE, CQA, or equivalent
• Experience with ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 certified environments
• Exposure to complex manufacturing or electro-mechanical supply chains
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills for KPI and supplier performance tracking
• Added advantage: Experience with HVAC systems, validation methods, and industry standards (e.g., ASHRAE)