Supplier Quality Engineer 4

TekWissen ®; Wendell (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global medical technology company is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer based in Wendell with a hybrid schedule. This role requires expertise in ensuring supplier quality through audits and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in quality management and a bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM field. Responsibilities include leading supplier audits, managing quality agreements, and supporting supplier performance improvement. The position offers opportunities to collaborate across various teams to tackle quality challenges.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in production, development, or quality management.
• 3+ years' experience addressing supplier performance and supply issues.
• Experience leading PPAP activities and conducting supplier audits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with standards.
• Lead supplier qualification efforts and define quality requirements.
• Promote supplier performance improvements and analyze error history.

Skills

Supplier performance improvement

Root cause analysis

PPAP activities

Quality assurance

Problem-solving methods

Technical understanding of standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or vocational training + experience

Job description

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offering strategic talent solutions tclients worldwide. The opportunity below is with one of our clients, a leading global medical technology company. This organization provides a wide range of diagnostic imaging and laboratory diagnostics, as well as advanced therapies and digital health services. Its solutions span prevention and early detection through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, empowering healthcare providers worldwide.

Job Description

We are looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer. This position will be based in Wendell with a hybrid schedule. This role is responsible for ensuring supplier quality through meticulous audits, qualification processes, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position bridges suppliers, R&D, purchasing, and field teams to resolve quality concerns, drive root cause analysis, and enhance overall supply chain performance. It also includes leading PPAP deliverables, coordinating quality agreements, and implementing systems to ensure consistent compliance and supplier development.

You’ll make a difference with:

• Plan and conduct supplier audits in accordance with VDA 6.3 standards.
• Evaluate and qualify new and existing suppliers, focusing on compliance and performance.
• Lead supplier qualification efforts and define quality requirements.

Quality Planning & PPAP Management

• Ensure PPAP documentation and results meet performance, process capability, and compliance expectations.
• Make final decisions regarding supplier PPAP requirements and approvals.
• Handle documentation, meeting coordination, and feedback distribution.

Supplier Quality Assurance & Agreements

• Coordinate and negotiate standardized Quality Assurance Agreements (QAAs).
• Supervise the implementation of QAAs across the supplier base.
• Design, maintain, and implement supplier quality system regulations and processes.

Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving

• Promote supplier performance improvement and support suppliers in corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze error history and lead sustainable root cause analysis.
• Implement supplier development programs to enhance quality and reliability.

Challenge Resolution & Communication

• Function as a bridge connecting suppliers, research and development, procurement, and field/customer teams to tackle quality or supply challenges.
• Coordinate complaint handling for defective purchased parts, including communication with suppliers and internal collaborators.
• Support purchasing in recovering additional costs resulting from non-conformities.

Strategic & Project Management

• Coordinate projects related to material group strategy, non-conformity cost reduction, and productivity improvement.
• Collaborate with international partner plants to align and optimize supplier quality strategies.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, such as mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or electrical engineering OR 3+ years of vocational training plus an additional 5+ years in a technician role.
• 5 years of experience in various areas of production and/or development/quality management.
• 3+ years of experience with the following:
• Addressing supplier performance and supply issues through root cause analysis and collaboration with suppliers, R&D, and field/customer teams.
• Leading PPAP activities, documentation and conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance, qualification, and continuous improvement.
• Implementing quality and problem‑solving methods (8D, FMEA, Ishikawa, PDCA) with strong technical understanding of drawings, standards, and regulations.
• Demonstrating critical thinking, independent decision‑making, and clear communication of actionable insights.

TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.