Senior Supplier Quality Engineer
About The Position
The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer ensures supplier quality excellence by managing qualification, performance, and development of assigned supplier categories. The role works closely with Procurement to incorporate quality into supplier selection and project-based sourcing, prevent defects, build supplier capabilities, and ensure compliance with Valmet standards at the source. The position supports supplier selection and qualification, leads audits and inspections, manages supplier quality performance and issue resolution, and helps suppliers strengthen their quality practices. It also contributes data-driven insights to supplier performance reviews and supports continuous improvement and escalation when needed.
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, NCR/CAPA, 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 Procurement, Assurance, Engineering, 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 and 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.
- Serve as the primary supplier quality contact for assigned categories and projects, managing supplier quality and punctuality performance.
- Coordinate with Procurement to incorporate quality expectations into 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, including validating 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, supporting continuous improvement and escalation when needed.
Benefits
- Generous wage and benefits package.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Company-funded pension.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
