Supplier Quality Engineer - Paint & Further Processing

Brunswick Boat Group•Fond du Lac, WI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mercury Marine is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer focused on coatings and further processing to drive process and product improvements, support new product development, and lead supplier APQP activities where applicable. The role is the subject matter expert for surface cleaning and preparation processes—including phosphatizing, E-coating, anodizing, passivation, plating, blasting, and etching—and coating technologies such as powder, E-coat, and liquid coatings. The engineer works with Mercury Marine’s Material Science group to align on coating performance and selection for different environments. The position covers supplier quality and manufacturing activities, including supplier quality program development and oversight. It collaborates with engineering, suppliers, and manufacturing operations to ensure suitable part zoning, establish inspection criteria and supplier training, support design for manufacturing, and investigate and resolve supplier quality issues. The role leads cross-functional APQP from early design through PPAP submission and production launch, and supports quoting with technical input on tooling, gages, chemistry, schedules, and supplier progress. The position is based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with a hybrid arrangement requiring at least three days in the office each week. Regular travel is expected, typically 25–40%, depending on project phase and supplier-support needs. The role has no direct reports. Relocation is available; visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. The hiring range is $73,600–$106,200 annually, and the role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Requirements

At least 7 years of hands-on experience in painting, cleaning, or part inspection, ideally in supplier quality, quality engineering, or manufacturing engineering.
Strong analytical and technical-writing abilities and comprehensive understanding of quality tools and methods, including IATF 16949, statistical methods, MSA, FMEA, and DOE.
Ability to read and interpret drawings and in-depth knowledge of quality standards, zoning, and specifications.
Experience with cosmetic classifications and understanding of process parameters that affect cosmetic defects, including Appearance/AAR and Class A, B, or C surfaces.
Detail-oriented approach and focus on high-quality results.
Demonstrated leadership in driving successful project outcomes.
Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
Ability to develop solutions that account for business objectives and cost implications.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or an associate degree in a technical field plus at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio; accuracy; time management; accountability; teamwork and collaboration; interpersonal, written, and verbal communication; and SharePoint.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience running a production coating line.
Experience supporting product and process development throughout the product lifecycle and associated assets.
Experience with supply chain or procurement and APQP/PPAP.
Certification through ASQ, LSS, PMI, PCI, CCAI, or another applicable recognized organization.
Ability to lead cross-functional reviews of zoning callouts and compare supplier or industry capabilities.
Knowledge of finesse operations.
Knowledge of decal printing and application issues.
Ability to design racking or masking to assist suppliers.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for Mercury-related surface cleaning, preparation, and coating processes.
Work with Mercury Marine’s Material Science group to align coating choices with performance needs and environmental conditions.
Use statistical tools, including DOE, MSA/Gage R&R, process capability, and SPC, to improve processes and products.
Recommend and drive improvements to suppliers’ surface preparation and coating operations.
Provide supplier training and help develop skills and inspection criteria when needed.
Review externally painted part zoning against zone definitions to ensure it is appropriate, realistic, and consistent across product families.
Act as the primary contact among Mercury suppliers, paint suppliers, engineering, and manufacturing operations to investigate and resolve supplier quality issues.
Lead cross-functional teams and facilitate improvement of supplier APQP from initial design through PPAP submission and start of production.
Provide technical support for new-business quoting, including input on tooling, gages, and chemistry; create project schedules and monitor supplier progress against deliverables.
Perform supplier audits and site inspections, develop process improvement plans, drive their implementation, and establish long-term preventive actions.
Lead supplier DFMEA activities, design reviews, PFMEA, and process development during early supplier engagement to incorporate manufacturing needs and define quality expectations.
Apply and understand Data Paq, DFT gauges, spectrophotometers, gloss gauges, and PCI Orange Peel panels.