Supplier Quality Engineer - Heavy Manufacturing and NPI

Katalyst CRO; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst CRO in Winston-Salem seeks an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for a heavy engineering manufacturing environment. The role focuses on supplier quality assurance, development, and new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring compliance with quality standards across casting, forging, machining, and sheet metal components.

This is a 100% onsite role supporting supplier development, production ramp-up, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related engineering field.
• Proven experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer in manufacturing/heavy engineering.
• Strong exposure to casting, forging, machining, and sheet metal fabrication processes.
• Hands-on with APQP, PPAP, and supplier quality systems.
• Knowledge of AWS welding standards, material specs and engineering drawings.
• Experience with GD&T and Design for Manufacturing (DFM).
• Prior exposure to supplier audits, tooling development, and production launch activities.
• Background in industrial or heavy engineering sectors preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct supplier evaluations and audits to ensure quality requirements.
• Drive APQP implementation and monitor adherence to standards across supplier processes.
• Perform risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for supplier-related issues.
• Participate in design and engineering reviews with internal and supplier teams.
• Manage tooling lifecycle including kickoff, development tracking, and readiness reviews.
• Oversee fixtures, gauges, and tooling readiness for production launch.
• Conduct and monitor tool trials (T0–T3) and validate part fitment and functionality.
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented for quality issues.
• Support PSW approvals and sign-offs.
• Drive ECN / FETE implementation and manage engineering change processes.
• Lead validation activities, safe launch programs, and production readiness reviews.
• Ensure smooth start of production (SOP) and ramp-up support.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.
• Drive supplier performance improvement and delivery excellence.
• Travel 30–40% domestically for audits and reviews.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

GD&T

DFM

Quality systems

Audit

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Job description

Katalyst CRO in Winston-Salem seeks an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) for a heavy engineering manufacturing environment. The role focuses on supplier quality assurance, development, and new product introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring compliance with quality standards across casting, forging, machining, and sheet metal components.

This is a 100% onsite role supporting supplier development, production ramp-up, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.