Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Valmet•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer ensures supplier quality excellence by managing qualification, performance, and development for assigned supplier categories. Working closely with Procurement, the role embeds quality into supplier selection and project-based sourcing decisions and proactively drives defect prevention, supplier capability building, and compliance with Valmet standards at the source. The position serves as the primary supplier quality contact for assigned categories and projects, supporting supplier readiness, performance, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Technical degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
At least 3 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, or industrial quality assurance roles.
Good knowledge of supplier quality processes, including APQP, audits, nonconformance reporting/corrective and preventive actions, and qualification.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as casting, machining, welding, and fabrication.
Competence in quality tools and techniques, including 8D, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and 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, including Procurement, Assurance, Engineering, and Projects, and with suppliers.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
Hands-on experience with supplier audits, inspections, and qualification activities.
Must be living in the United States and authorized to work in the United States.
Employment offer is contingent upon a background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Lean Six Sigma.
Experience in capital projects or low-volume, high-complexity production environments.
Exposure to project-based procurement, customer-facing quality, or field quality.

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, to ensure readiness for project deliveries.
Act as the primary supplier quality contact for assigned categories and 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 and corrective and preventive actions.
Conduct supplier visits, process audits, and Gemba walks to verify compliance, mitigate risks, and identify development opportunities.
Support Procurement with supplier claim management activities and validation of cost of poor quality.
Coach suppliers on quality tools and practices to foster self-inspection, problem-solving, LEAN, and capability development.
Contribute data-driven insights to supplier scorecards and performance reviews to support continuous improvement and escalation when needed.