Supplier Quality Engineer

nLIGHT•Camas, WA

8d•$85,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring that external suppliers meet the organization’s standards for quality, capability, and performance. This position partners closely with internal engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to develop robust supplier relationships, drive continuous improvement, and support the successful introduction of new products.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field and a minimum of 4 years experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong understanding of quality tools (e.g., FMEA, SPC, 8D, PPAP).
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed.
Must be a US Person (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains quality expectations for suppliers, including specifications, inspection criteria, and performance metrics.
Monitors supplier performance through data analysis, scorecards, and regular reviews (e.g. PPM, yield, defect trends)
Leads root-cause analysis and corrective action activities to resolve supplier-related quality issues. (e.g. 8D, CAPA, SCAR, Physical Failure Analysis, DOE, etc)
Translates engineering, regulatory, and contractual requirements into clear, actionable flow-downs for suppliers.
Ensures suppliers understand and comply with all technical documentation, standards, and process requirements.
Collaborates with internal teams to maintain accurate and complete supplier documentation packages.
Oversees the identification, containment, and disposition of non-conforming supplier material.
Facilitates Material Review Board (MRB) activities and ensures timely closure of non-conformance reports.
Drives corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurrence.
Evaluates supplier manufacturing processes, technologies, and capacity to ensure alignment with current and future business needs.
Identifies risks and opportunities within supplier operations and recommends improvement strategies.
Supports supplier selection decisions through technical assessments and capability audits.
Plans, executes, and documents supplier audits focused on quality systems, process controls, and compliance.
Tracks audit findings and verifies effective implementation of corrective actions.
Maintains audit schedules and supports supplier development initiatives.
Collaborates with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and supplier readiness for new product designs.
Leads supplier engagement during prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp-up.
Validates supplier processes through PPAP, FAI, or equivalent qualification activities.

Benefits

Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages, depending on level
Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
10 paid Holidays
Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Aflac Supplemental Insurance
Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
Tuition Assistance Program
Pet Insurance