Supplier Quality Engineer -Pursuit

Pursuit-Boats; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Malibu Boats Inc. seeks a Plant Supplier Quality Engineer/Lead to ensure incoming supplier materials meet high quality and performance standards for premium boat manufacturing. You will partner with purchasing, operations, and suppliers to prevent defects and drive continuous improvement.

Key duties include leading supplier development, managing QA metrics, audits, and corrective actions, and supporting NPI with DFMs and material validation. Travel and fast-paced environment typical.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required.
• 8+ years in supplier/manufacturing quality required.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Control Plans essential.
• Strong root-cause methods: 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone.
• Proven supplier audits and development experience.
• Six Sigma certification preferred (Green/Black Belt); CSQE valued.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary quality interface between plant and suppliers.
• Maintain supplier quality metrics via scorecards (PPM, on-time delivery).
• Lead supplier selection, APQP, PFMEA, PPAP activities.
• Establish incoming inspection standards and containment plans.
• Drive containment to minimize line disruptions due to defects.
• Lead 8D/DMAIC/A3 based corrective actions; verify effectiveness.
• Collaborate with suppliers on lean manufacturing and process capability.
• Support NPI with design for manufacturability and validation.

Skills

APQP/PPAP

FMEA

Control Plans

Root Cause Analysis

Supplier Audits

Cross-functional Leadership

Six Sigma

CSQE (ASQ)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Quality/Manufacturing

Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

ASQ CSQE Certification

Job description

Position SummaryThe Plant Supplier Quality Engineer / Lead is responsible for ensuring incoming supplier materials and components meet Malibu Boats’ quality, performance, and reliability standards to support high-performance marine manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with purchasing, operations, engineering, and key suppliers to drive defect prevention, supplier development, and continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.This leader will play a critical role in maintaining production flow, product integrity (cosmetic, functional, structural), and customer satisfaction by proactively managing supplier quality risks in a fast-paced, built-to-order boat manufacturing environment.Key ResponsibilitiesSupplier Quality ManagementServe as the primary quality interface between MBI plant location and production suppliers.Maintain supplier quality performance metrics (PPM, on-time delivery, corrective actions, warranty impact) via scorecard.Lead supplier selection support activities (engaged in product development prior to sourcing), including:Supplier APQP participationRisk assessments (PFMEA, control plans)PPAP approvals for new parts and changesIncoming Quality & Production SupportEstablish and maintain incoming inspection standards.Drive containment activities to minimize line disruptions due to supplier defects.Collaborate with production teams to resolve quality issues.Corrective Action & Continuous ImprovementLead and manage supplier corrective actions using structured methods (8D, DMAIC, A3).Perform root cause analysis on supplier-related defects affecting production or field performance.Track and verify effectiveness of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.Partner with suppliers to implement lean manufacturing and process capability improvements.Supplier DevelopmentIdentify Top 5 suppliers (using scorecard data) needing process/product development to improve part quality – develop a plan and achieve results.Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and layered process audits).Drive supplier capability improvements aligned to Malibu’s expectations for:High-end finish qualityDurability in marine environmentsConsistency in custom configurationsDevelop strategic supplier relationships focused on long-term quality performance and innovation.New Product Introduction (NPI)Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to ensure supplier quality readiness for new boat models.Ensure early supplier involvement for:Design for manufacturability (DFM)Material validation (UV resistance, corrosion resistance, etc.)Prototype and pilot build support.Data Analysis & ReportingAnalyze supplier-related quality trends impacting:Production efficiencyScrap/rework costs.Warranty/field failuresProvide insights and action recommendations to leadership.#PursuitboatsQualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field8+ years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing qualityExperience with:APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control PlansRoot cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)Supplier audits and developmentSolid/strong understanding of a variety of manufacturing processes (i.e. - composites, assembly, electrical, or metal fabrication preferred)PreferredExperience in marine, automotive, RV, or durable goods manufacturingFamiliarity with cosmetic quality standards and customer-driven customization environmentsSix Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Engineer (CSQE)Key CompetenciesStrong communicator – self-directed – results focused – lean mindset – team “first.”Strong cross-functional leadership (quality, operations, supply chain)Ability to balance production urgency with disciplined quality processes.Excellent problem-solving and analytical skillsSupplier relationship management and influenceHigh diligence, especially in fit, finishing, and aesthetic qualityWork EnvironmentManufacturing plant environment with frequent supplier interactionOccasional travel (10–25%) to supplier sitesFast-paced, direct role supporting a premium product with high customer expectations.Success MetricsMust successfully be focused on relationship building and teamwork.Reduction in supplier PPM and plant disruptionsImproved supplier responsiveness and corrective action effectivenessImproved supplier scorecard metrics – Top 5 plus overallReduced cost of poor quality (COPQ)Successful launch quality from suppliers for new/modified boat models and componentsWarranty reduction tied to supplier defectsWhy Malibu Boats Inc.Join a team committed to craftsmanship, innovation, and delivering industry-leading performance on the water. This role directly impacts the quality and reputation of premium recreational boats by ensuring every component meets the highest standards.