Supplier Quality Engineer — NPI & CAPA Leader

thekineticgroup; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 83,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kinetic Group in Anoka, Minnesota is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive supplier performance across our manufacturing network. You will collaborate with Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Quality, and Engineering to develop quality systems, lead CAPA, and support new product introductions.

Responsibilities include establishing supplier quality metrics, conducting audits, leading APQP/PPAP/FAI activities, and guiding corrective actions with suppliers to reduce defects and risk while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading supplier corrective action and supplier development initiatives.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, statistical analysis, and root cause methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems and supplier management processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality strategies aligned with strategic sourcing objectives.
• Partner with suppliers to improve quality performance, process capability, and manufacturing controls.
• Establish supplier quality metrics and monitor supplier performance through scorecards, KPIs, and performance reviews.
• Identify and mitigate supplier-related quality and supply risks through proactive engagement and development efforts.
• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and validation activities for new and existing suppliers.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to evaluate compliance, capability, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes with suppliers, ensuring timely root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools to reduce defects, variation, and waste throughout the supply chain.
• Support supplier capacity planning and readiness activities to ensure alignment with business growth and customer demand.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Program Management teams during new product launches and engineering changes.
• Lead supplier Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and First Article Inspection (FAI) activities where applicable.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and quality plans to ensure product and process robustness.
• Support qualification and validation of new materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Partner closely with Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to align supplier performance with organizational objectives.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives through supplier evaluations, risk assessments, and technical reviews.
• Provide supplier quality expertise during supplier selection, contract negotiations, and business reviews.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve critical supplier quality issues impacting production or customer satisfaction.
• Ensure supplier compliance with company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.

Skills

Quality management

Statistical analysis

Root cause analysis

ERP systems

Engineering drawings interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical discipline

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FAI

Job description

The Kinetic Group in Anoka, Minnesota is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive supplier performance across our manufacturing network. You will collaborate with Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Quality, and Engineering to develop quality systems, lead CAPA, and support new product introductions.

Responsibilities include establishing supplier quality metrics, conducting audits, leading APQP/PPAP/FAI activities, and guiding corrective actions with suppliers to reduce defects and risk while