Supplier Quality Engineer
About The Position
The Supplier Quality Engineer ensures that externally provided products, materials, and services conform to engineering, contractual, regulatory, and customer-specific requirements. The role drives supplier performance and risk mitigation and supports compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF16949, and customer requirements to maintain product quality and supply chain integrity. The position covers supplier auditing, development and selection; First Article development and execution; assignment and oversight of corrective actions; supplier performance monitoring; preparation of work instructions; and training internal and external inspectors in relevant inspection techniques. It requires substantial experience with machining, inspection techniques, material processing and characterization, drawing preparation and interpretation, and reporting. The engineer is expected to work professionally and collaboratively with employees, customers, suppliers, and internal development groups. The role works with procurement, engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams that include Systems Engineering, Customer Service, Production, Process/Manufacturing Engineering, customers, suppliers, and executive leadership. Travel to suppliers, customers, and outside laboratories is required as needed, with travel of up to 50%.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a technical discipline, or equivalent experience consisting of at least 10 years of hands-on experience with decision-making responsibilities on quality activities.
- 10 years of work in Supplier Quality, In-process Quality, Reliability, Process/Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Quality Control Engineering disciplines; electromechanical experience preferred.
- Deep knowledge of mechanical and plastics fabrication and/or machining.
- Experience with internal and external auditing.
- Experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and corrective and preventive actions.
- Extensive experience with Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Extensive experience with ISO- or IATF-certified facilities and processes.
- CMM programming experience sufficient to train and coach suppliers and inspectors.
- Experience with optical, mechanical, and electrical inspection methods, tools, and equipment, including CMM, Z-Scope, Profilometer, multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
- Experience with SAP processing and sampling methodologies, sampling processes, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to travel up to 50%.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs. sporadically.
- Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, including establishing effective working relationships with product teams.
- Strong written communication skills and attentive listening.
- Personal initiative and motivation to achieve project performance results.
- Strong oral communication and presentation skills, including clear and concise oral and graphical presentations.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, or refugee, or be eligible to apply for and obtain the appropriate U.S. Department of State or Commerce export control license.
Nice To Haves
- Lean manufacturing knowledge.
- 5–10 years in Receiving Inspection, Sourcing Engineering, Supplier Development, or Machining.
- Experience with IR or similar technology.
- ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, and IATF16949 certifications.
- Problem-solving methodology and failure analysis tools.
- Six Sigma training and/or certification.
- Experience with Root Cause Analysis, Statistical Process Control, and Measurement System Analysis (Gauge R&R).
- Reliability testing and qualification experience, including electromechanical shaker systems and environmental chambers.
- Experience with statistical and reliability software applications.
Responsibilities
- Manage and develop supplier quality performance, monitoring KPIs such as defect rates, on-time delivery, and corrective-action responsiveness.
- Perform supplier evaluations, audits, and assessments for compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF16949, customer, and regulatory requirements.
- Review and approve supplier documentation, including AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports, Process Control Plans, and inspection records.
- Lead and coordinate supplier corrective actions, including root cause analysis and effectiveness verification.
- Support new supplier qualification and onboarding, including capability assessments and risk analysis.
- Ensure compliance with flow-down requirements, engineering specifications, key characteristics, and special process controls.
- Collaborate with procurement, engineering, and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues and improve supplier performance.
- Provide suppliers with technical guidance on inspection methods, process controls, and quality requirements.
- Review and disposition Receiving Inspection Nonconforming material rejection reports.
- Review, process, and approve supplier requests for deviations, waivers, and clarifications.
- Support incoming inspection and containment activities for nonconforming materials.
- Analyze supplier performance data and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Participate in customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.
- Ensure supplier adherence to traceability, configuration management, and documentation control requirements.
- Travel to suppliers, customers, and/or outside laboratories as needed.
- Support cross-functional team activities with Systems Engineering, Customer Service, Production, Process/Manufacturing Engineering, customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.
- Prepare work instructions and train internal and external inspectors on inspection techniques.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
