Supplier Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer will serve as the primary point of contact for a key customer at a large manufacturing facility, working onsite to ensure that supplier quality consistently meets customer and internal standards. In partnership with a Quality Technician, this role owns and manages the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and Material Review Board (MRB) processes, driving effective corrective actions and continuous improvement across the supply base.

The position focuses on supplier quality performance, quality engineering activities, and robust quality assurance and quality control practices in a rapidly growing operation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main onsite point of contact for a key customer, building strong relationships and representing the quality function within the manufacturing facility.
• Own and manage the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process, including evaluation of returned products, coordination of investigations, and documentation of findings.
• Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) process, coordinating cross-functional reviews of nonconforming materials and making disposition decisions in alignment with quality standards.
• Work directly with suppliers to address quality issues, clarify requirements, and ensure that supplied materials and components meet specifications.
• Issue supplier corrective actions, define clear expectations, and follow up to verify effective implementation and closure.
• Apply quality engineering principles to analyze defects, identify root causes, and implement preventive and corrective measures.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Technician and broader quality team to monitor product quality, support inspections, and maintain robust quality control practices.
• Support quality assurance activities by reviewing data, trends, and metrics related to supplier performance and customer returns.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the quality function and the broader manufacturing operation.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers regarding quality issues, status updates, and process changes.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of quality engineering experience, with a strong preference for 5+ years in a similar role.
• Hands-on experience in supplier quality, including direct interaction with suppliers on quality issues.
• Proven experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, and quality control within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and own Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) processes.
• Experience leading and participating in Material Review Board (MRB) activities.
• Strong background in developing, issuing, and managing corrective action plans for suppliers.
• Ability to serve as a primary point of contact for customers and represent the quality function effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for working with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Flexible education requirements; an associate degree (AS) is the minimum preferred.
• Experience working in a multi-customer manufacturing environment.
• Ability to collaborate with a cross-functional quality team, including other Supplier Quality Engineers and Quality Technicians.
• Comfort working in a rapidly growing operation with expanding customer base and evolving processes.

Work Environment

The role is based in a large manufacturing facility that produces products for multiple customers and is experiencing significant growth. The site is approximately three years old and has expanded from supporting one customer to three, with plans to add several more in the near future. The Supplier Quality Engineer will work closely with a dedicated quality team that includes a Site Quality Manager, two other Supplier Quality Engineers, and three Quality Technicians.

The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with frequent interaction among production, quality, and supplier teams to maintain high standards of product quality and…