Supplier Quality Engineer - Paint & Further Processing

Brunswick Corporation•Fond du Lac, WI

9d•$73,600 - $106,200•Hybrid

About The Position

Mercury Marine is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer specializing in coatings and further processing to drive process and product improvements, support new product development, and lead supplier APQP activities where applicable. The role serves as a subject matter expert for surface cleaning, preparation, and coating processes, collaborating with engineering, suppliers, and manufacturing to ensure appropriate part zoning, inspection criteria, and design-for-manufacturing practices. The position covers supplier quality programs and oversight, supplier audits and site inspections, supplier process improvement, and resolution of supplier quality issues. It also provides technical support for new-business quoting and early supplier engagement, including tooling, gages, chemistry, schedules, and quality planning. The role is hybrid in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, with at least three days in the office per week and regular travel of approximately 25–40%, depending on project phase and supplier support needs. Relocation assistance is available.

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, 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 affecting cosmetic defects, including Appearance/AAR and Class A, B, or C surfaces.
Detail-oriented approach focused on delivering high-quality results.
Demonstrated leadership in driving successful project outcomes.
Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
Ability to provide solutions that reflect business objectives and cost implications.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or an associate degree in a technical field with 10 or more years of relevant experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Visio, and SharePoint.
Accuracy, time management, accountability, teamwork, collaboration, and interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Experience running a production coating line.
Experience supporting product and process development through the product lifecycle and associated assets.
Experience with supply chain or procurement, APQP, and PPAP.
Certification through ASQ, LSS, PMI, PCI, CCAI, or another applicable recognized organization.
Ability to lead cross-functional reviews of zoning callouts and compare them with 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 and preparation processes, including phosphatizing, E-coat, anodizing, passivation, plating, blasting, and etching, and coating processes such as powder, E-coat, and liquid technologies.
Work with Mercury Marine’s Material Science group to align coating choices with performance requirements and operating environments.
Use statistical tools, including DOE, MSA/Gage R&R, process capability, and Statistical Process Control, to improve processes and products.
Recommend and drive improvements in suppliers’ surface preparation and coating operations.
Train supplier personnel as needed on skills and inspection criteria.
Review externally painted part zoning against zone definitions to ensure zoning is appropriate, realistic, and consistent across product families.
Serve as the primary point of contact among Mercury suppliers, paint suppliers, engineering, and manufacturing operations to investigate and resolve supplier quality issues.
Lead cross-functional teams and facilitate improvements to supplier APQP from initial design through PPAP submission and production launch.
Provide technical expertise for new-business quoting, including tooling, gages, chemistry, project schedules, and monitoring supplier progress against program deliverables.
Perform supplier audits and site inspections, develop process improvement plans, drive 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.
Use and understand Data Paq, DFT gauges, spectrophotometers, gloss gauges, and PCI Orange Peel panels.