Supplier Quality Engineer, North America

Valmet; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-funded pension plan

Job summary

Valmet seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive quality in supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing performance across assigned categories. You will work closely with Procurement to embed quality into sourcing decisions and project deliveries, leading audits and CAPA initiatives.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years in supplier quality, hands-on audits, and strong knowledge of APQP, ISO standards, and lean methodologies within manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Technical degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent.
• At least 3 years in supplier quality, manufacturing, or industrial quality assurance roles.
• Hands-on experience with supplier audits, inspections, and qualification activities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with procurement during supplier selection and qualification, providing input on quality risks and technical compliance.
• Lead supplier qualification processes, including audits and first article inspections, ensuring readiness for projects.
• Act as primary supplier quality contact for assigned categories/projects and monitor performance.
• Coordinate with Procurement to embed quality expectations in supplier agreements and onboarding.
• Drive timely resolution of supplier quality issues via RCA and CAPA.

Skills

Supplier quality

APQP

Audits

NCR/CAPA

ISO standards

Quality tools

Quality drawings

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Six Sigma

Education

BSc in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

NCR/CAPA tools

Job description

Are you a professional looking to expand your career with an industry front runner? Deciding on your next employer is not a decision to be made lightly. But if you want to work on the front lines of development, shaping the field as you go, keep reading to see what we have to offer!

Our winning team is built by continuous investment in skills development, leadership and well-being. As a global company, we offer many career paths to suit individual needs and aspirations. Apply your expertise in our industry leading team of automation professionals.

Purpose of the Role

To ensure supplier quality excellence by managing qualification, performance, and development of assigned category(ies) suppliers. The Supplier Quality Engineer works closely with Procurement to embed quality into supplier selection and project-based sourcing decisions, while proactively driving defect prevention, supplier capability building, and compliance with Valmet's standards at the source.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with procurement during supplier selection and qualification, providing input on quality risks, capabilities, and technical compliance.
• Lead supplier qualification processes, including audits, documentation reviews, and first article inspections, ensuring readiness for project deliveries.
• Act as the primary supplier quality contact for the assigned category(ies)/projects, managing supplier quality and punctuality performance.
• Coordinate with Procurement to embed quality expectations in supplier agreements and onboarding processes.
• Drive timely resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Conduct supplier visits, process audits, and Gemba walks to verify compliance and enable proactive risk mitigation and explore development opportunities.
• Support Procurement with supplier claim management activities, validating cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Support supplier coaching on quality tools and practices to foster self-inspection, problem-solving, LEAN, and capability development.
• Contribute to supplier scorecards and performance reviews with data-driven insights for continuous improvement and escalation when needed.

Knowledge & Skills

• Good knowledge of supplier quality processes (APQP, Audits, NCR/CAPA, qualification)
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (e.g., casting, machining, welding, fabrication)
• Competence in quality tools and techniques (8D, FMEA, Control Plan, SPC, root cause analysis)
• Understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and related QHSE standards
• Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings and quality specifications
• Ability to collaborate across functions (Procurement, Assurance, Engineering, Projects) and with suppliers
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and follow-through skills
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma is a plus

Experience & Education

• Technical degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent technical field)
• At least 3 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or industrial quality assurance roles
• Experience in capital projects or low-volume/high-complexity production environments preferred
• Hands-on experience with supplier audits, inspections, and qualification activities
• Exposure to project-based procurement, customer-facing quality, or field quality is a plus

We offer.

We offer a challenging work environment that values innovation and suits development-minded people who enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic setting.

• Includes a generous wage and benefits package that includes a company-funded registered pension plan.

Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check.

Additional Information

Delivering competitive technologies and services is what we do best. At Valmet, we continue to push forward and develop ourselves, concentrating on technology, services, sustainability, local presence, and our people.

When everything works together

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together. With over 20,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. Our commitment to moving our customer's performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how, and above all, teamwork. Join the team! www.valmet.com/careers