Supplier Development Quality Engineer

Kearfott Corporation•Pine Brook, NJ

7d•$100,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Supplier Development Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting supplier quality development and product realization activities across new product introductions, design changes, and process improvements. This role works closely with suppliers and internal cross-functional teams to ensure robust quality planning, process capability, and compliance with customer and industry requirements. The position supports the application of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) methodologies to improve product conformity, strengthen supplier processes, and ensure successful product launches. Experience with AS9145 is highly preferred, though candidates with automotive APQP/PPAP experience are also encouraged to apply. This role collaborates with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Program Management, and suppliers to improve process controls, reduce variation, and support overall supplier quality performance.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in quality engineering, supplier quality, or product development within aerospace, automotive, or advanced manufacturing industries.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and core quality tools such as FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
Familiarity with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100, AS9102, and AS9145 highly preferred.
Experience supporting First Article Inspection (FAI) or production validation activities.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to APQP planning and execution, including development of risk assessments, process flows, PFMEA/DFMEA inputs, control plans, and PPAP documentation.
Work with engineering and manufacturing teams to support design-for-quality and design-for-manufacturability initiatives.
Assist in identifying and managing Key Characteristics (KCs) and Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) features and ensuring appropriate process controls.
Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9102 and assist with production validation and PPAP submissions.
Collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to improve process capability and reduce variation in manufacturing processes.
Support implementation of quality tools such as SPC, MSA, control plans, and process monitoring systems.
Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities using structured problem-solving methods such as 8D or RCCA.
Monitor supplier and internal quality performance indicators and support improvement initiatives.
Promote the use of APQP tools and structured quality planning across cross-functional teams and suppliers.
Provide support and guidance on quality tools including FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP documentation, and structured problem solving.
Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to support product launch readiness and supplier development initiatives.