Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Overview

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that products and materials sourced from suppliers meet the quality standards and specifications required by the organization. This role involves managing supplier quality performance, conducting audits and inspections, driving corrective actions, and working closely with both internal teams and suppliers to resolve quality issues. The Supplier Quality Engineer will also support continuous improvement initiatives, fostering strong supplier relationships, and ensuring that quality requirements are embedded throughout the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Assurance: Develop and implement quality assurance processes and procedures for suppliers to ensure they meet the company's quality standards and regulatory requirements. Monitor supplier quality performance using key metrics (e.g., defect rates, on-time delivery, etc.) and take corrective actions as needed.
• Supplier Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular supplier audits, assessments, and inspections to ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements, regulatory standards, and internal procedures. Work with suppliers to address any non-conformances identified during audits.
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action: Lead investigations into quality issues related to supplier materials or components. Utilize root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, FMEA) to identify the underlying causes of defects or failures. Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in collaboration with suppliers.
• Supplier Development and Collaboration: Partner with suppliers to improve their quality systems, processes, and capabilities. Provide technical support and guidance to suppliers on quality-related issues, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with company standards.
• Quality Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of supplier quality performance, audits, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives. Prepare and present regular reports to senior management and cross-functional teams on supplier quality metrics, trends, and performance improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including procurement, manufacturing, engineering, and logistics, to address quality concerns related to supplier components or materials. Ensure that product design, specifications, and supplier capabilities are aligned to meet quality and production requirements.
• New Supplier Qualification: Support the evaluation and qualification of new suppliers, ensuring that their quality management systems and processes meet the company’s standards. Participate in supplier selection, quality assessments, and qualification audits to ensure fit with organizational requirements.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Identify potential risks in the supply chain related to product quality or supplier performance. Work with suppliers and internal teams to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, certifications, and company quality standards (ISO, TS16949, etc.).
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Participate in and drive continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing supplier quality, reducing defects, and improving overall supply chain performance. Utilize tools such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 3+ years of experience in quality engineering, supplier quality, or related roles, ideally in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of quality standards and methodologies (ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, etc.).
• Experience conducting supplier audits, inspections, and quality assessments.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, etc.).
• Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS) and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal teams.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with quality management software or ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed.
• Certification in quality or supplier management (e.g., CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or similar).
• Experience in a global supply chain or working with international suppliers.
• Knowledge of advanced product quality planning (APQP) and product lifecycle management (PLM).
• Experience in a regulated industry (automotive, defense, aerospace, medical devices, etc.).

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional standing and walking within the office.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.