Supplier Quality Engineer

Valmont Industries, Inc. • Remote NE, NE

5d • Remote

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) supports the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) and is responsible for ensuring suppliers consistently meet defined quality, delivery, and compliance requirements. This role applies quality tools, data-driven methods, and structured problem-solving to prevent defects, reduce variation, and drive continuous improvement across the supplier base throughout the product lifecycle. The SQE serves as a key technical liaison between suppliers, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, and customer-facing teams to define acceptance criteria, assess supplier risk, investigate nonconformances, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions. The role also supports supplier selection, qualification, APQP/PPAP activities, audits, and performance monitoring. Success in this role is measured by improved supplier capability and reliability, reduced cost of poor quality, timely issue resolution, risk mitigation on new and existing products, and increased internal and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelors with 3+ years relevant experience or Associates Degree with 5+ years relevant experience or 7+ years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in supplier quality, quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or a closely related role.
• Working knowledge of quality systems, supplier quality methodologies, and inspection/metrology fundamentals.
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving and corrective action methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto).
• Familiarity with relevant industry, regulatory, and customer standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AISC, or industry-specific requirements).
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of supplier/APQP deliverables such as PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and incoming inspection strategies.
• Proficiency with common workplace software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and ability to use or learn quality-related systems (e.g., QMS, ERP, SPC, CAQ).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across functions and with external suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing supplier performance, including scorecards, containment, corrective action, and verification of effectiveness.
• Experience planning and conducting supplier audits and leading closure of findings.
• Hands-on experience supporting manufacturing or fabrication environments (e.g., metal or steel components).
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), and/or Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher).

Responsibilities

• Support and continuously improve the supplier-related elements of the Quality Management System (QMS), including procedures, standards, and documentation.
• Serve as the primary quality liaison between suppliers, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations when supplier-related quality issues impact product or process performance.
• Lead supplier nonconformance investigations using structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and statistical tools as appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and verify supplier corrective and preventive actions (SCAR/CAPA) and ensure sustained effectiveness.
• Plan, conduct, and support supplier audits and assessments for supplier qualification, development, and ongoing performance evaluation.
• Support supplier selection and onboarding by assessing quality system maturity, risk, and compliance with company and customer requirements.
• Drive APQP and PPAP activities, including review and approval of PFMEAs, control plans, process flow diagrams, capability studies, gage R&R, SPC, and part layouts.
• Partner with Engineering and Supply Chain to ensure quality requirements, CTQs, and acceptance criteria are clearly defined and communicated for new and existing products.
• Lead or participate in supplier risk assessments for new product introductions and design or process changes.
• Monitor supplier performance using scorecards and KPIs (e.g., PPM, on-time delivery, PPAP performance, audit results) and communicate trends, risks, and improvement plans.
• Identify and execute opportunities to reduce cost of poor quality, including scrap, rework, returns, and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
• Support internal, external, and customer audits by providing objective evidence and driving timely closure of findings.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional communication; influence decisions using data, facts, and sound quality principles.
• Prepare clear written and verbal communication, including reports, presentations, and supplier feedback.
• Provide quality and technical guidance to suppliers and internal stakeholders on tools, methods, and best practices.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree