Supplier Quality Engineer

States Manufacturing Corporation•Dayton, MN

About The Position

Job Summary: The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of components and materials sourced from our supply base. This role will focus on supplier performance improvement, compliance with industry standards, and proactive risk mitigation. The position combines quality engineering principles with supplier development strategies to support operational excellence in the switchgear industry, leveraging best practices from automotive, aerospace, and medical device sectors. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Supplier Quality Management Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements and specifications. Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and product) to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and applicable regulatory standards. Manage incoming quality issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions using tools such as 8D, PPAP, and FMEA. Supplier Development Implement supplier scorecards and performance metrics (quality, delivery, responsiveness). Drive continuous improvement initiatives at supplier sites, including Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Collaborate with suppliers on process capability studies and advanced quality planning (APQP). New Product Introduction (NPI) Support supplier qualification for new components and processes. Review and approve supplier control plans, inspection methods, and validation protocols. Ensure compliance with industry-specific requirements (e.g., automotive IATF 16949, aerospace AS9100, medical ISO 13485). Risk Management & Compliance Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain related to quality and delivery. Ensure adherence to regulatory and customer-specific requirements. Maintain documentation and reporting for audits and certifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
5+ years of experience in supplier quality or development engineering, preferably in electrical or mechanical components.
Familiarity with standards: ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 13485.
Strong knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis tools.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills for supplier engagement.
Ability to travel to supplier locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience in switchgear or electrical equipment manufacturing.
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance for aerospace and medical device industries.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements and specifications.
Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and product) to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, AS9100, and applicable regulatory standards.
Manage incoming quality issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions using tools such as 8D, PPAP, and FMEA.
Implement supplier scorecards and performance metrics (quality, delivery, responsiveness).
Drive continuous improvement initiatives at supplier sites, including Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Collaborate with suppliers on process capability studies and advanced quality planning (APQP).
Support supplier qualification for new components and processes.
Review and approve supplier control plans, inspection methods, and validation protocols.
Ensure compliance with industry-specific requirements (e.g., automotive IATF 16949, aerospace AS9100, medical ISO 13485).
Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain related to quality and delivery.
Ensure adherence to regulatory and customer-specific requirements.
Maintain documentation and reporting for audits and certifications.