Supplier Quality Engineer
About The Position
Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that purchased materials, off-the-components, and outsourced services provided by external suppliers meet the companys quality, technical, and regulatory requirements. This role is critical in preventing supplier-related defects, minimizing manufacturing disruptions, and supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain. The SQE partners closely with Suppliers, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to manage supplier qualification, audits, performance monitoring, and corrective actions. Through data-driven analysis and structured problem-solving, the SQE protects product integrity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Requirements
- Clear and professional communication with suppliers, internal teams, and leadership.
- Strong negotiation and influence skills to drive supplier accountability and improvement.
- Ability to prepare and present supplier performance reviews, audit findings, and quality metrics to management.
- Comfortable presenting data-driven insights and improvement plans to cross-functional and executive audiences.
- Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS), ERP/MRP systems, and supplier portals.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data-tracking tools.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret quality data, trends, and performance metrics.
- Structured problem-solving mindset with a focus on root cause elimination rather than containment.
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment (e.g., plastics, machining, electronics, tooling, or assembly).
- Exposure to supplier audits, vendor management, and cross-functional manufacturing operations.
- Bachelors degree in Engineering (Quality, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or related field.
- 35+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality.
- Hands-on experience with supplier audits, defect resolution, and quality performance management.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
- Experience working with domestic and/or international suppliers is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Supplier Quality Management Lead supplier qualification, approval, and requalification processes for new and existing suppliers.
- Conduct onsite and virtual supplier audits to assess compliance with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF, AS standards as applicable).
- Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, controls, and risk levels.
- Define and implement incoming inspection plans and acceptance criteria for supplier-provided materials and components.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and change notices to ensure supplier alignment.
- Support PPAP, FAI, or equivalent supplier validation activities as required.
- Lead investigations of supplier-related nonconformances and defects.
- Issue Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) for nonconformances.
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
- Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as DPPM, PPM, on-time delivery, and corrective action responsiveness.
- Maintain supplier scorecards and performance dashboards.
- Collaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, capability, and reliability.
- Act as the primary quality liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders (Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Management).
- Communicate quality expectations, technical requirements, and engineering changes to suppliers.
- Participate in internal reviews, MRB discussions, and quality improvement projects.
- Maintain accurate supplier quality documentation, audit reports, corrective action records, and performance data.
- Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements.
- Support internal and external audits related to supplier quality.
- Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and meet operational priorities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
