Supplier Quality Engineer; Buffalo, NY

This range is provided by Game Change Solar. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$80,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Game Change Solar

Supplier Quality Engineer

Game Change Solar is one of the fastest growing, most dynamic companies in the rapidly growing solar industry. We have top quality solar racking and tracker products that generate the most amount of energy, are the fastest to install, and the most cost effective.

Game Change Solar is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of products and subassemblies manufactured in the Buffalo area and surrounding. This role will be responsible for overseeing raw material, in-process, and outgoing quality control, managing supplier quality processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in steel processing (rolling, sheet metal forming, machining, welding, stamping, and galvanization) and experience working with suppliers to maintain the highest quality standards. Additionally, this role will be responsible for handling complaints from field installations, identifying root causes, and ensuring corrective actions are implemented at the supplier level.

Supplier Quality Engineer Responsibilities:

• Execute Quality Plans for GCS, covering suppliers from Buffalo, NY to the Midwest.
• Conduct, attend, and witness supplier quality inspections as defined by the Quality Manager.
• Plan, monitor, and oversee vendor inspectors, measurement systems, equipment, tools, and fixtures to ensure proper quality execution.
• Drive process improvements, implement quality tools, and support supplier development initiatives.
• Investigate complaints from field installations, analyze failure modes, and determine root causes related to supplier quality issues.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (ICA/PCA) at supplier sites to prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely resolution of field quality issues, minimizing disruptions to operations.
• Report findings and corrective action effectiveness to internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Conduct and oversee 8D, MSA, and SPC studies to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure strong process controls by implementing Control Plans (CP) and Capability Studies (Cpk).
• Lead and support product & process audits, ensuring non-conformities (NCs) are identified and resolved.
• Train vendor inspectors and operators on quality standards and best practices.
• Review, prepare, and approve quality documentation including First Article Inspection (FAI), sample inspections, vendor audits, and Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA) reports.
• Work with internal teams to define inspection parameters, testing resources, and quality methods.
• Oversee supplier compliance with ASTM, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and other industry standards.
• Work closely with suppliers, external labs, ISO auditors, and internal teams (Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Logistics) to maintain quality excellence.
• Lead daily quality management efforts, proactively reducing risks to product quality and delivery.
• Manage and train teams of inspectors to meet performance objectives.

Supplier Quality Engineer Functional

Competencies:

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, implement inspection methodologies, and create quality documentation.
• Proficiency in quality standards and methodologies such as ASTM, 8D, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
• Experience with error-proofing techniques (Poka-Yoke) and root cause analysis tools.
• Strong data collection and analytical skills to assess quality performance and trends.

Supplier Quality Engineer Required Skills, Personal Traits &

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, supplier quality, or manufacturing quality control.
• Strong expertise in steel processing including rolling (hot & cold), sheet metal forming, stamping, welding, machining, and galvanization.
• Experience in industries related to steel/structural…