Supplier Development Quality Engineer (QMS Audits & PPAP)

Day in the life

Reporting to the Quality Leader, you’ll be the connective thread between design intent and supplier execution. Your day might start by reviewing capability data from a new supplier, continue with a cross-functional session to align on drawing tolerances, and wrap up with an audit recap that confirms process controls are in place before launch. As a core member of multi-disciplinary teams, you ensure existing and new suppliers can consistently meet specifications and support smooth introductions of purchased and manufactured components.

What you will own

• Lead technical reviews of supplied components and evaluate supplier Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Define and recommend statistical process controls for key supplier processes.
• Track and drive closure of top supplier quality and productivity issues.
• Determine inspection and test equipment needed to verify conformance to specifications.
• Provide direction and supervision to assigned quality process control and audit personnel.
• Maintain test and audit documentation in accordance with engineering specifications.
• Support new design introductions, ensuring supplier readiness and part acceptance.
• Participate on the process review team to help Product Engineering introduce purchased and manufactured parts.
• Compile and deliver reject and warranty data to management for analysis and action.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in quality assurance and/or quality control (preferred).
• Background managing QMS in an ISO or IATF certified environment.
• Working knowledge of statistical methods applied to Quality Assurance.
• Experience collaborating within project teams.
• Familiarity with AIAG quality methodologies.
• Supplier audits and assessments: conduct on-site or virtual audits to evaluate quality systems and process capability.
• Part qualification: manage PPAP or comparable part qualification processes for new parts.
• Root cause analysis: investigate nonconformances and lead corrective/preventive actions (SCARs/CAPA).
• Performance monitoring: track supplier KPIs (e.g., DPM, on-time delivery) and conduct performance reviews.
• Collaboration: partner with design and manufacturing engineering to define specifications and tolerances.
• Continuous improvement: drive lean and quality improvements at supplier sites.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft applications.
• Strong problem-solving, clear communication, and professional diplomacy.
• Blueprint reading; ability to interpret standards such as ASTM.
• Skilled at evaluating supplier quality systems and facilitating process improvements.
• Knowledge of SAP is a plus.

Education

• BS in Engineering, Quality, or Manufacturing preferred.
• AS required with equivalent experience or ASQ Quality Engineering Certification.

Physical requirements & travel

• Role involves extended sitting, periods of standing, manual dexterity, stooping, bending, and minimal lifting.
• Some travel, including internationally, may be required. A valid passport, or the ability to obtain one, is required.