Supplier Development Engineer
About The Position
The Senior Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring externally supplied materials, components, and services consistently meet Ruger quality, safety, and delivery requirements. This role emphasizes prevention over detection by embedding quality early in the supply chain through APQP execution, PPAP approval, supplier capability assessments, and continuous improvement. The SQE partners cross-functionally to reduce supplier-driven risk, prevent quality escapes, and improve overall Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ) while supporting new product introduction and production readiness.
Requirements
- 8+ years manufacturing experience in Quality/Supplier Quality
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
- Strong GD&T knowledge
- Experience with supplier processes (machining, molding, casting, etc.)
- Understanding of measurement systems and variation reduction
- Must be a minimum of 18 years old.
- Must be able to pass a background and drug screen.
Nice To Haves
- ASQ or Six Sigma certification preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead supplier quality activities from sourcing through production lifecycle with focus on defect prevention.
- Conduct supplier audits and capability assessments.
- Drive supplier corrective actions using structured root cause methods.
- Reduce supplier quality incidents and production disruptions.
- Lead APQP and PPAP execution for new product launches.
- Develop MSA, gauge strategies, and validation plans.
- Act as liaison between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and suppliers.
- Drive process standardization and continuous improvement.
- Support FAI, capability studies, and validation of critical features.
- Provide guidance on measurement practices where needed to support supplier alignment.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
