Supply Quality Engineer

Kelvion; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelvion is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer in Knoxville, TN, responsible for managing supplier programs related to manufacturing and packaging. The role ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining product quality standards.

Key duties include monitoring supplier performance, resolving quality issues, and coordinating with various teams to enhance operational processes. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 3-5 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in an ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent discipline, or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier quality performance through Supplier Score cards.
• Manage the SCAR program ensuring compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering and production to resolve quality issues.
• Communicate with suppliers to meet quality requirements.

Skills

Engineering drawings interpretation

GD&T knowledge

Problem-solving tools usage

Effective communication

Inspection using measuring equipment

Microsoft Office proficiency

Project management skills

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent

3–5 years in ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 environment

Job description

Job Overview

Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for managing supplier programs for manufacturing, packaging, and other operational processes, as well as ensuring that quality programs are in compliance with regulatory requirements. The role also involves participating in problem‑solving teams, conducting process audits, establishing product quality objectives, and supporting activities related to the manufacturing process. The goal is to assess quality and ensure all products are free from defects and in compliance with engineering and manufacturing specifications and government standards.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Monitor current supplier quality performance through Supplier Score cards and other processes.
• Manage the SCAR program, including issuing SCARs, ensuring they are returned, completed correctly, and validated.
• Coordinate between engineering, production personnel, and Quality Engineer to solve production quality issues created by suppliers.
• Maintain constant communication with suppliers to ensure all quality requirements are met (e.g., Heat Cert, DoC, packaging standard).
• Review new changes to approved parts (requested internally or externally).
• Request, monitor, and approve new KPAPs for revisions or new parts from approved suppliers.
• Engage with suppliers and Supply Chain to correct supplier behavior; if not feasible, bring to upper management for action such as switching to a second supplier.
• Coordinate with Design Engineering regarding new products and components.
• Coordinate with Quality Engineer to notify customers of new part design changes if required.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain (local and/or global) and Engineering on new component supplier qualifications and approvals.
• Manage the New Supplier approval process according to the QMS.
• Ensure supplier KPAP documents for new or revised parts are submitted, evaluated, validated, and approved before issuance.
• Ensure QMS documents reflect new supplier or part requirements.
• Question the nature of defects while providing future solutions.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities – Safety

• Help ensure that all employees go home safely at the end of their working day.

Responsibilities – Quality

• Ensure Kelvion’s Standard of Excellence, which includes quality, is incorporated into every product we produce.
• Adhere to all quality requirements that are inside the Quality Management System.

Responsibilities – Corporate / Site

• Follow all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to Global Code of Business Principles, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Operational Framework.
• Promote a culture of honesty, integrity, and a one‑team mindset through the Knoxville Standard of Excellence.
• Ensure compliance with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Requirements (knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Read engineering drawings and possess good knowledge of GD&T.
• Use various tools from the Quality toolbox to solve problems.
• Work independently with minimal supervision; self‑motivated once given direction.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with all levels of personnel and management, both internal and external.
• Perform inspections using measuring equipment such as gauges and micrometers.
• Display strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, and process numbers quickly to produce charts or documents.
• Prepare and maintain controlled documents for the QMS.
• Handle multiple changes and respond rapidly in a fast‑paced environment.
• Work assertively and hands‑on, with great attention to detail.
• Demonstrate good project and time‑management skills.
• Show excellent organizational skills to perform multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Experience in a metal fabrication and welding operation is a plus.
• Possess good analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Have a basic understanding of statistical concepts.
• Be a fast learner capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Exhibit good interpersonal skills and promote a team spirit.

Education and Experience (required Levels)

• 3–5 years of experience in an ISO 9001 or IATAF 16949 manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent discipline, or equivalent work experience.

Physical Requirements

The employee frequently stands, reaches, walks, sits, climbs, and must occasionally hand‑lift or move objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

Characteristics that describe the environment where essential functions are performed. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.