Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title:

Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description

As a Supplier Technical Assistance Engineer, you will represent the client at manufacturing plants and take a leadership role in ensuring supplier quality, product launch readiness, and ongoing production performance. You will make quality decisions on behalf of the client, manage supplier-related quality issues, and authorize legal documents such as Part Submission Warrants, directly influencing product quality and manufacturing efficiency.

Responsibilities

+ Represent the client at manufacturing plants as the primary point of contact for supplier quality and technical assistance.

+ Lead supplier quality activities for new product launches and current production, ensuring parts meet all quality and capacity requirements.

+ Make independent quality decisions on behalf of the client, including authorization of legal documents such as Part Submission Warrants (PSW).

+ Apply AIAG APQP and PPAP processes to qualify supplier parts and validate that they meet design and process requirements.

+ Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier-related quality issues using structured problem-solving methods.

+ Collaborate with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes and quality systems, supporting continuous improvement and lean initiatives.

+ Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, engineering, and program management, to resolve issues and support program timing.

+ Use quality systems and data to monitor supplier performance and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

+ Communicate effectively with leadership, suppliers, and plant personnel through clear written reports and verbal updates.

+ Support and influence manufacturing operations on the plant floor to ensure consistent quality and adherence to standards.

+ Utilize basic computer skills and program management practices to track actions, document results, and maintain records related to supplier quality.

Essential Skills

+ Minimum 4+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality systems/processes (such as IATF), continuous improvement, or lean in a manufacturing environment.

+ Strong supplier quality experience in a production or plant setting.

+ Strong analytical problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis.

+ Strong knowledge of AIAG APQP and PPAP processes.

+ Solid manufacturing experience with experience supporting production environments.

+

Experience with quality systems and their application in a manufacturing context.

+ Program management capabilities to support launches and ongoing production.

+ Effective oral and written communication skills.

+ High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse people, leadership, and cross-functional teams.

+ Proficiency with basic computer skills for documentation, reporting, and communication.

+ U.S. bachelor's degree in engineering.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding and seating.

+ Preferred commodity experience in interiors, injection molding, or seating.

+ Familiarity with continuous improvement and lean methodologies in a manufacturing setting.

+ Preferred problem-solving certifications or methods such as Green Belt, Black Belt, Red X, or similar structured approaches.

+ Exposure to plant manufacturing and assembly environments, including interaction with production operations.

+ Ability to interpret and work within established quality standards and automotive quality frameworks, including IATF-related systems.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite, five days per week, in a plant floor production environment. You will spend significant time on the manufacturing floor, working closely with production, engineering, and supplier representatives to address real-time quality and process issues. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, with exposure to typical plant conditions such as machinery, production lines, and standard industrial noise levels.

You will use standard office and computer tools for documentation and reporting while regularly transitioning between office and shop floor areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dearborn, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.30 - $50.67/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:  - Medical, dental & vision  - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital  - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available  - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)  - Short and long-term disability  - Health Spending Account (HSA)  - Transportation benefits  - Employee Assistance Program  - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation…