Supplier Quality Engineer

The Kinetic Group•Anoka, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Kinetic Group is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of small caliber ammunition under the iconic brands B&P, CCI, Federal Premium, Fiocchi, HEVI, Remington and Speer. We have domestic ammunition manufacturing facilities in Minnesota, Idaho, Arkansas, and Missouri, and service law enforcement, government agencies and sporting enthusiasts throughout the world. Today, The Kinetic Group is a part of the Ammo+ division of The Czechoslovak Group (CSG), which holds a diverse portfolio of companies in the defense, security, automotive, aerospace and rail industries. We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer. The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) serves as a critical link between Strategic Sourcing, Suppliers, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to ensure world-class supplier performance across The Kinetic Group's manufacturing network. This role is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence, mitigating supply chain risk, supporting new product introductions, and leading corrective and preventive actions to improve supplier capability, quality, delivery, and cost performance. The SQE will work proactively with suppliers to develop robust quality systems, resolve performance issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that support operational objectives and customer requirements. This position reports to the Director of Category Management and is based out of our Anoka, Minnesota office.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Operations within a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience leading supplier corrective action and supplier development initiatives.
Strong understanding of quality management systems, statistical analysis, and root cause methodologies.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
Experience utilizing ERP systems, supplier management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent project management, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or related certification.
Experience in defense, ammunition, sporting products, aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent quality systems.
Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality strategies aligned with strategic sourcing objectives.
Partner with suppliers to improve quality performance, process capability, and manufacturing controls.
Establish supplier quality metrics and monitor supplier performance through scorecards, KPIs, and performance reviews.
Identify and mitigate supplier-related quality and supply risks through proactive engagement and development efforts.
Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and validation activities for new and existing suppliers.
Conduct supplier audits and assessments to evaluate compliance, capability, and continuous improvement opportunities.
Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes with suppliers, ensuring timely root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools to reduce defects, variation, and waste throughout the supply chain.
Support supplier capacity planning and readiness activities to ensure alignment with business growth and customer demand.
Collaborate with Engineering and Program Management teams during new product launches and engineering changes.
Lead supplier Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and First Article Inspection (FAI) activities where applicable.
Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and quality plans to ensure product and process robustness.
Support qualification and validation of new materials, components, and manufacturing processes.
Partner closely with Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to align supplier performance with organizational objectives.
Support strategic sourcing initiatives through supplier evaluations, risk assessments, and technical reviews.
Provide supplier quality expertise during supplier selection, contract negotiations, and business reviews.
Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve critical supplier quality issues impacting production or customer satisfaction.
Ensure supplier compliance with company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
Maintain accurate supplier quality records, audit reports, and performance documentation.
Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits as required.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and quality throughout the supplier network.