Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title:
Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer oversees supplier quality assurance activities across all facilities, including incoming inspection, issue containment, and supplier-driven corrective actions. This role provides technical support and analysis for supplier quality issues, supports nonconformance and corrective action systems, and actively drives improvements in supplier quality culture and overall product quality.

• Ensure suppliers meet all contractual requirements and maintain full compliance with applicable specifications.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Goods Receiving, Material Control, and Quality Assurance Receiving Inspection to evaluate and disposition incoming production goods.
• Communicate product acceptance results and quality findings clearly to all relevant internal departments.
• Support containment, segregation, nonconformance material (NCM) review, and trend analysis activities related to supplied parts.
• Issue, manage, and track external supplier corrective and preventive action requests, and verify the effectiveness of implemented actions.
• Assist in responding to customer supplier corrective and preventive action requests, including preparation of failure analysis reports and root cause analysis for supplier-related issues.
• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers and vendors to ensure they meet quality, technical, and performance requirements.
• Perform on-site supplier qualification audits to assess quality systems, processes, and compliance with standards.
• Create and execute development plans for suppliers to support performance targets and monitor their progress against agreed objectives.
• Assess the impact of supplier part change notifications and determine required steps for change authorization in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Work directly with suppliers to significantly improve overall product quality and drive enhancements to their quality management systems.
• Provide training to suppliers on quality requirements, investigative techniques, product-related topics, and process improvement tools.
• Develop, maintain, and report supplier metrics and scorecards to track performance, trends, and improvement opportunities.

• Quality engineering experience with strong focus on supplier quality and manufacturing environments.
• Advanced ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, including a solid understanding of advanced GD&T principles and inspection of critical features.
• Proficiency in First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) methodologies.
• Working knowledge of structured corrective action methodologies such as 8D, RCCA, 7-Step, and CAR.
• Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and influence supplier performance with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and suppliers.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, such as ISO 9001, and ability to apply quality standards and requirements in measurement and inspection activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and SharePoint.
• Previous supplier quality experience with a sound understanding of quality processes and systems, manufacturing processes, basic statistical methods, and program management.

• Background in engineering or manufacturing, with fabrication experience preferred.
• Four-year college or university degree in Quality, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement practices.
• Exposure to methodologies such as Six Sigma and the ability to use them to drive process improvements.
• Experience conducting audits and inspections in a production or supplier environment.
• Experience developing and managing corrective action plans and quality improvement initiatives.

This role operates in a dynamic manufacturing and supplier-focused environment that combines office-based analytical work with on-site activities at receiving inspection areas and supplier facilities. You will regularly interact with cross-functional teams such as Purchasing, Material Control, Goods Receiving, and Quality Assurance. The position involves reviewing engineering drawings and documentation, using standard office software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and SharePoint, and participating in audits and inspections of production and supplier processes.

Travel to supplier locations for qualification audits and training sessions may be required. Typical working hours follow standard business schedules, with flexibility needed to support supplier visits and critical quality issues. Dress expectations are generally aligned with professional office attire, with appropriate safety gear required when visiting production or inspection areas.

This is a Permanent position based out of Lakeville, MN.

The pay range for this position is…