Supplier Quality Engineer

 

Job/Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer will lead supplier quality activities across an outsource manufacturing network, partnering with suppliers and internal teams to improve quality performance, resolve nonconformances, reduce customer escapes, and strengthen supplier process control.

This role is ideal for a hands-on quality professional who enjoys problem solving, supplier development, continuous improvement, and working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality activities for assigned suppliers, commodities, and manufacturing processes.
• Review supplier documentation, inspection records, deviations, Certificates of Conformance, First Article Inspection packages, and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Participate in supplier order kick-offs and flow down quality requirements.
• Lead Virtual Quality Check (VQC) activities with strategic customers prior to shipment to confirm parts meet quality and technical requirements, resolve any concerns, and ensure first-time-right delivery.
• Investigate supplier-related nonconformances, customer complaints, RMAs, and quality escapes; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Partner with suppliers to improve quality, documentation, process control, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Support internal Quality, Engineering, Production, Customer Service, Partner/Supplier Management, and Operations teams to resolve supplier quality issues.
• Monitor supplier quality trends, NCRs, RMAs, and key performance indicators to identify systemic improvement opportunities.
• Conduct supplier audits, onboarding assessments, capability reviews, and ongoing performance evaluations.
• Support supplier readiness for production launches, process planning, inspection feasibility, and customer requirements.
• Escalate significant supplier risks or quality system concerns through appropriate leadership channels.
• Support continual improvement initiatives that strengthen quality systems, supplier controls, and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, supplier development, or a related technical quality role.
• Experience working directly with suppliers, manufacturing partners, customers, or cross-functional operations teams.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485, or other regulated quality management systems.
• Experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, NCR/RMA management, and continuous improvement methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, inspection plans, and customer quality requirements.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, additive manufacturing, injection molding, tooling, urethane casting, finishing, or assembly.
• Strong communication, organization, follow-up, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience using ERP, QMS, CRM, reporting, or productivity systems.
• Ability to travel as needed to supplier sites, company facilities, or customer locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ certification, Six Sigma certification, or equivalent quality credential.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans, process capability, gage R&R, or supplier process validation.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, or other regulated manufacturing customers.
• Experience with ISO 13485, AS9100, IATF 16949, NIST 800-171, ITAR, or similar compliance requirements.