Supplier Quality Engineer

Katalyst CRO; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking a Supplier Quality SME in San Antonio, Texas to provide technical and process leadership, enhance supplier quality systems, and standardize best practices across the supply base. Key responsibilities include assessing supplier quality processes, defining SOPs, improving quality metrics, and leading supplier development initiatives. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering and strong experience in supplier quality management are essential. The role offers a dynamic environment focused on driving continuous improvements and ensuring compliance.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assess and identify gaps in supplier quality processes.
• Define and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for supplier quality engineers.
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and capability evaluations.

Skills

Supplier quality management

Process assessment

Data analysis

Quality tools (PFMEA, Control Plans)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ISO standards

Job description

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).