Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer — NPI & Supplier Performance

Your mission

Bridge product intent and supplier execution. As the SQE reporting to the Quality Leader, you’ll validate that supplier processes can repeatedly deliver parts that meet engineering specifications—today and as new designs launch. You’ll collaborate across teams, guide suppliers through qualification, and ensure issues are contained, corrected, and prevented.

Imagine this scenario

A new component is headed for launch. You convene a review with Product Engineering, confirm critical-to-quality features, assess supplier capability, and specify the gauges needed for verification. You audit the supplier’s QMS, lock in SPC for key characteristics, complete PPAP, and publish a clean readiness report. Post-launch, you track KPIs and resolve top issues to protect customer experience.

Core responsibilities

• Lead technical reviews of supplied parts and evaluate supplier QMS effectiveness.
• Establish and recommend SPC plans for critical supplier processes.
• Track and drive closure of priority supplier quality and productivity issues.
• Define inspection/test equipment required to validate conformance to spec.
• Oversee assigned quality process control and audit personnel.
• Maintain audit and test documentation to engineering standards.
• Support new design introductions and supplier readiness activities.
• Serve on the process review team to help Product Engineering introduce purchased/manufactured components.
• Deliver reject and warranty data to management for analysis and improvement actions.

What you need to succeed

Knowledge & Experience

• 2–4 years in quality assurance/control (preferred).
• QMS management exposure within ISO or IATF certified organizations.
• Applied statistics in a Quality Assurance context.
• Experience contributing in project team environments.
• Familiar with AIAG quality methods.
• Supplier Audits & Assessment: on-site/virtual audits of systems and process capability.
• Part Qualification: ownership of PPAP or equivalent processes for new parts.
• Root Cause Analysis: drive SCARs/CAPA for nonconforming material.
• Performance Monitoring: track supplier KPIs (e.g., DPM, on-time delivery) and lead reviews.
• Collaboration: work with design/manufacturing engineering on specs and tolerances.
• Continuous Improvement: promote lean and quality improvements at supplier facilities.

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced Microsoft application skills.
• Strong analytical problem-solving, clear communication, and diplomacy.
• Blueprint interpretation and familiarity with ASTM standards.
• Proven ability to assess supplier quality systems and facilitate process improvements.
• SAP familiarity is advantageous.

Education

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

Physical requirements & travel

• Extended periods of sitting, some standing, manual dexterity, stooping, bending, and minimal lifting.
• Travel may be required, including internationally; a valid passport or the ability to obtain one is required.