Supplier Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring supplier‑provided components meet specifications at the point of use and do not disrupt production flow. This role serves as the first responder to in‑plant supplier material issues, leads immediate containment and disposition, drives root cause and corrective actions (RCCA), and develops supplier performance programs and audits to prevent recurrence. You’ll partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Materials/Purchasing, and Supplier teams to protect the assembly line and advance world‑class quality, delivery, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as first responder for supplier material issues found on the line, in receiving, and pre‑assembly inspection.
• Implement immediate containment (e.g., sort, rework, scrap, stop‑shipment, stop‑build) to protect production.
• Raise, track, and close Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs); ensure proper segregation, identification, and in‑plant disposition of non‑conforming material.
• Assess operational impact and coordinate temporary updates to work instructions or process steps as needed.
• Lead structured problem solving (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa, DMAIC) through verified effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and suppliers on CAPA/RCCA, including verification/validation of fixes at point of use.
• Participate in/lead MRB activities and provide timely dispositions aligned with risk and product requirements.
• Plan and conduct supplier audits/assessments (e.g., ISO 9001‑based; ISO 13485/AS9100 as applicable).
• Support supplier qualifications, process approvals, and Dock‑to‑Stock readiness.
• Establish closed‑loop corrective action with suppliers; evaluate the effectiveness of APQP/PPAP and incoming inspection strategies based on in‑plant performance.
• Analyze and report in‑plant supplier metrics (e.g., line fallout, NCR trends, escape and detection rates, containment effectiveness, DPPM/DPU).
• Maintain robust use of core quality tools: Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA (e.g., Gage R&R), and SPC (control charts, Cp/Cpk).
• Utilize GD&T to rapidly assess part conformity and functional risk.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials/Purchasing, and Supplier teams to drive sustainable improvements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, test, and supplier processes to improve yield, reduce cost of poor quality (CoPQ), and enhance delivery reliability.
• Prepare and lead supplier review meetings, share best practices, and recognize high performance.

Other Duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent technical experience).
• 3+ years in Plant Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Supplier Quality within high‑volume manufacturing (automotive, electronics, semiconductor capital equipment, medical devices, or similar).
• Strong familiarity with assembly line operations and the impact of material quality on production flow.

Technical Skills

• Structured problem solving: 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone/Ishikawa, DMAIC/Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Core Quality tools: PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow, MSA (Gage R&R), SPC (control charts, Cp/Cpk).
• Supplier quality processes: APQP, PPAP, supplier audits/assessments, Dock‑to‑Stock readiness.
• GD&T proficiency for rapid part assessment and risk evaluation.
• Comfortable with data analysis and statistical methods; strong Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) skills.

Soft Skills

• Proactive, detail‑oriented, and calm under pressure in fast‑paced, high‑volume environments.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), facilitation, and stakeholder management internally and externally.
• Strong ownership mindset with the ability to influence without authority and close actions on time.

Preferred

• ASQ CQE or equivalent certification; Six Sigma GB/BB.
• Experience implementing supplier performance programs/scorecards and leading supplier development.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 (and ISO 13485/AS9100 where applicable).
• Experience with MRB processes and QMS/PLM/ERP integrations.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work performed in office, manufacturing, and supplier environments.
• Ability to sit for extended periods; move arms/hands/fingers; lift up to 25 lbs (with assistance for heavier items).
• May require use of PPE in production areas; exposure to moderate noise (printers, equipment, manufacturing).
• Visual acuity required to perform inspections, data analysis, and documentation.

Travel

• Up to 25% travel for supplier visits, audits, trainings, and reviews.