Supplier Quality Engineer: Defect Reduction & Compliance

Sandvik AB; Florida; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Support for applicants with disabilities

Job summary

A global engineering leader is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure product quality from suppliers in the New York area. This role involves qualification, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives while collaborating across departments to enhance performance. Ideal candidates will possess a relevant degree with 3-7 years of experience in supplier or manufacturing quality and be able to manage supplier issues effectively. A commitment to safety, quality, and improvement in a diverse workplace culture is essential.

Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or related roles.
• Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving and corrective action processes.
• Strong knowledge of quality systems, audits, and supplier management practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and audits.
• Monitor supplier quality performance using KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives.

Skills

Supplier quality management

Problem-solving

Quality systems knowledge

Engineering drawing interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ISO 9001

Six Sigma

Job description

About Sandvik & Our Culture

Sandvik is a global engineering leader with more than 41,000 employees worldwide and proud to be ranked among Forbes’ Top 100 Global Employers. At our Rotary Drilling Division headquarters in Alachua, Florida, we design and assemble world-class surface mining drill rigs used across the globe.

Our culture thrives on innovation, collaboration, and diversity. We believe different perspectives drive creativity, so we invest in learning together and supporting each other. Safety, Quality, and People are at the heart of everything we do — all within a dynamic and inclusive work environment.

About the Role

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied products, materials, and services consistently meet company quality, delivery, and performance requirements. This role partners closely with Sourcing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to prevent defects, manage supplier risk, and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.

The SQE serves as the primary technical interface between the organization and its suppliers on all quality‑related matters, including qualification, audits, corrective actions, process capability, and change management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and approval activities, including capability assessments and audits
• Define and deploy supplier quality requirements, standards, and expectations
• Ensure suppliers comply with ISO 9001 system requirements

Incoming & Supplier Quality Assurance

• Monitor supplier quality performance using KPIs such as PPM, defects, escapes, and audit findings
• Analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Support incoming inspection strategies and containment actions when required

Corrective Action & Problem Solving

• Lead supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), root cause analysis, and verification of effectiveness
• Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, DMAIC, A3, Fishbone, 5 Whys)
• Escalate chronic or systemic supplier issues through defined governance channels

Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with suppliers to improve process capability, yield, and consistency
• Drive supplier development plans focused on defect reduction, process stability, and cost of poor quality
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives
• Participate in supplier‑related engineering changes, including PPAP/APQP or equivalent validation activities
• Assess supplier readiness for new product introductions, changes, or transfers
• Identify and mitigate supplier quality and process risks

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sourcing on supplier selection, performance reviews, and escalation decisions
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to resolve supplier‑driven production issues
• Support internal and external audits as required

Job Candidate Requirements:

• Ability to work in the U.S. on an indefinite basis without sponsorship
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related field
• 3–7+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or related roles
• Strong knowledge of quality systems, audits, and supplier management practices
• Hands‑on experience with structured problem‑solving and corrective action processes
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process documentation
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required.
• Ability to lift up to 50lb.

Preferred:

• ASQ certifications (CSQP, CQE, CQA, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt)
• Working knowledge of:
  • Gears and power transmission components
  • Metallurgy, including material properties, heat treatment, and failure modes
  • Welding processes, weld quality requirements, and inspection methods
  • Surface coatings and paint systems, including preparation, application, and defect analysis.
  • Knowledge of welding standards (AWS/ASME preferred)
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training.

How to Apply

Apply online at https://www.sandvik.com/careers.

Sandvik is an equal opportunity employer. We provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. For assistance, contact [e-mail].