Supplier Quality Engineer - Paint & Further Processing

brunswick; Fond du Lac (WI); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Brunswick is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer - Coatings and Further Processing in Fond du Lac, WI. This hybrid role requires strong expertise in coatings, surface preparation, and supplier quality with extensive experience in APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and PPAP.

The engineer will drive process improvements, develop inspection criteria with suppliers, and act as a technical resource across engineering and manufacturing. Relocation is available for this role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on painting, cleaning, or inspecting parts.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools (IATF 16949, MSA, FMEA, DOE).
• Ability to read drawings and apply zoning and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Drive process and product improvements across paint/coating operations.
• Lead APQP processes with suppliers and from design through PPAP to production.
• Audit suppliers and conduct site inspections; develop and implement corrective actions.
• Lead DFMEA/PFMEA activities and support early supplier engagement.

Skills

Painting

Cleaning

Inspection

Quality tools

Tools

IATF 16949

Job description

Are you ready for what's next?

Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond. Brunswick believes "Next Never Rests," and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.

Location: Fond du Lac, WI

Workplace Category: Hybrid; 3+ days in office per week

Travel Required: Regular; 25- 40%

Direct Reports: No

Pay Range: $73,600 - $106,200

Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Relocation: Yes

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Overview

Mercury Marine is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer - Coatings and Further Processing to drive process and product improvements, support new product development, and lead APQP processes where applicable. This role will serve as the subject matter expert who will collaborate and guide engineering development, ensure appropriate part zoning, develop inspection criteria / training with suppliers, and lead design for manufacturing activities.

This role involves all supply management and manufacturing aspects including but not limited to supplier quality program development, and oversight. The candidate should have proven analytical, project management, personnel management, and interpersonal skills.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.

Subject matter expert (SME) for all Mercury related surface cleaning, preparation processes (phosphatizing, E coat, anodizing, passivation, plating, blasting, etching, etc.), along with all coating processes including powder, E coat, and liquid technologies.

Work closely with Mercury Marine's Material Science group to share a common vision of performance and aligned with appropriate paint to use for given environment.

Use statistical tools (DOE, MSA/Gage R&R, Process capability, and Statistical Process Control) to drive process and product improvements.

Suggest and drive improvement ideas to suppliers' surface preparation and coating operations.

Training (if needed) at the part supplier to assist with skills and / or inspection criteria.

Review all externally painted part zoning and contrast against the zone definitions to ensure all zoning is appropriate, realistic, and consistent across product families.

Act as the primary point of contact between Mercury supplier, paint supplier, engineering and manufacturing operations to investigate and resolve supplier quality issues.

Lead cross-functional teams, facilitate, and improve the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process with suppliers, from initial design stage through PPAP submission and the start of production.

Serve as a technical resource for new business quoting activities, providing valuable insights and expertise into tooling, gages, chemistry, create project schedules and monitor associated supplier progress to program deliverables.

Perform supplier audits and site inspections; develop process improvement plans and drive implementation; drive long-term preventative actions.

Lead supplier DFMEA activities, design reviews, PFMEA and process development as part of early supplier engagement to ensure manufacturing needs are considered in the design phase and proper quality expectations are defined.

Understand the use and application of Data Paq, DFT gauge, spectrophotometer, gloss gauge, and PCI Orange Peel panels.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years of hands‑on experience in painting, cleaning, or inspecting part role, ideally in a Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering role
• Strong analytical abilities, technical writing abilities and comprehensive understanding of quality tools (such as IATF 16949, statistical methods, MSA, FMEA, DOE, etc).
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and an in-depth knowledge of the application of quality standards, zoning, and specifications.
• Experience with cosmetic classifications and understanding of process parameters that affect cosmetic defects (Appearance/AAR, Class‑A, B, or C surfaces)
• Detail‑oriented with a focus on delivering high‑quality results.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving successful project outcomes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic team environment.
• The ability to provide solutions that reflect an understanding of business objectives and cost implications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in running a production coating line
• Experience in supporting product and process development through the product lifecycle and