Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (Sr. SQE) is responsible for leading supplier quality and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure supplier-provided materials consistently meet company, customer, and regulatory requirements. This role drives supplier performance through data analysis, supplier development, root cause investigations, and corrective action management while supporting internal quality systems, inspection, and metrology processes. The Sr. SQE serves as a technical leader, collaborating with Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and suppliers to reduce risk, improve product quality, and enhance operational efficiency. The position manages complex quality issues, leads supplier qualification and audit activities, and provides guidance on quality best practices to support business objectives.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of supplier quality performance metrics, identify systemic issues, and drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions across the supply base.
• Plan, lead, and execute supplier quality audits, assessments, and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with quality management systems, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing standards.
• Lead internal quality system audits and support continuous improvement of ISO and other applicable quality certifications.
• Develop strategic partnerships with Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations to improve supplier performance, reduce risk, and support business objectives.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and guidance to SQEs, QA personnel, and cross-functional teams.
• Review, evaluate, and approve quality deviations, concessions, and risk-based dispositions for complex quality issues.
• Develop, review, and optimize inspection plans, control plans, sampling methodologies, and supplier quality requirements.
• Lead supplier corrective action programs, ensure timely closure of SCARs, and verify effectiveness through data-driven validation methods.
• Facilitate complex root cause investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, DMAIC, A3, and Five Why analysis.
• Oversee disposition and containment activities for nonconforming materials while minimizing risks to production and customers.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction, process capability improvement, cost savings, and operational excellence.
• Drive improvements in manufacturing and inspection processes through tooling enhancements, automation, metrology advancements, training programs, and design-for-quality initiatives.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification, onboarding, and ongoing performance management for new suppliers, products, and technologies.
• Establish supplier quality improvement roadmaps and drive reductions in defects, DPPM, COPQ, and customer escapes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Product Development, and suppliers during design and process reviews to proactively mitigate quality and reliability risks.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities, APQP, PPAP approvals, FMEA reviews, and process validation efforts.
• Monitor supplier risk factors and develop mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply and quality performance.
• Lead cross-functional teams in resolving critical supplier quality issues that impact production, customer satisfaction, or business objectives.
• Analyze quality trends, prepare management reports, and present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Participate in customer audits, regulatory inspections, and supplier performance reviews as the quality subject matter expert.
• Drive standardization of supplier quality processes, procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Perform other duties as required.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Supplier Quality, or Manufacturing Quality.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems (QMS), including experience leading internal and supplier audits.
• Proven experience with supplier development, corrective actions, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with quality tools and methodologies such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and 8D problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive supplier quality improvements.
• Strong communication, project management, and leadership skills.
• ASQ CQE, CSQP, or Lead Auditor certification preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, including metal forming, welding, machining, coating, assembly, and hardware installation.
• Strong understanding of supplier quality systems, manufacturing controls, and quality improvement methodologies.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles.
• Proficiency with quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and 8D problem solving.
• Knowledge of IPC standards, PCBA manufacturing, and testing processes (preferred).
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems and quality management software.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CMM reports, and automated inspection data.
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, leadership, and supplier development skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Office Environment: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Required

Estimated - 20% to 30%

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