Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description:

E.H. Wachs, an ITW Company, is a recognized world leader in the manufacture and distribution of field machining and valve exercising equipment.

Join us as a Supplier Quality Engineer and play a pivotal role in elevating product excellence from the ground up. In this dynamic onsite position located in Lincolnshire, IL, you'll be the champion of quality assurance and our ISO quality system, shape the standards that guide our operations, and build strong, performance‑driven partnerships with suppliers. From qualifying new suppliers to driving root‑cause analyses and continuous improvement initiatives, you'll be the catalyst ensuring every component we purchase meets the highest level of quality.

If you're energized by solving problems, improving processes, and building a culture where quality fuels progress, this role offers the impact and ownership you're looking for.

How You Will Make an Impact

Champion Quality Systems, Compliance, and Organizational Standards

• Develop and maintain quality procedures, standards, and performance metrics to ensure consistent product excellence.
• Champion the business unit's ISO 9001:2015 certification efforts, including leading audits, management reviews, and cross-functional quality initiatives.
• Maintain the organization's Quality Handbook, ensuring it remains accurate, relevant, and aligned with evolving standards.
• Conduct internal audits, PPAP reviews, and first article inspections to verify compliance with specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Perform regular audits of supplier facilities and processes to ensure adherence to both internal and regulatory quality requirements.
• Build systems and structures that empower cross-functional teams to succeed, embedding quality as a core organizational principle.
• Embraces special projects or work as assigned.

Strengthen Supplier Partnerships Through Evaluation, Accountability, and Operational Excellence

• Ensure all purchased components and services meet quality standards through ongoing monitoring, audits, and compliance verification.
• Partner with procurement and engineering to evaluate and qualify new suppliers, assessing capabilities and alignment with company requirements.
• Develop and implement Supplier Quality Agreements to establish clear expectations for performance, documentation, and compliance.
• Track supplier performance metrics-including defect rates and on-time delivery-to identify trends and drive targeted improvements.
• Lead structured root-cause investigations (Fishbone, 5 Whys, 8D) and verify corrective action effectiveness.
• Issue NCRs, initiate SCARs, and take proactive measures when quality concerns arise, including placing materials on hold when needed.
• Cultivate strong, improvement-driven partnerships with suppliers through proactive communication and consistent follow-through.

Drive Continuous Improvement Through Insight, Innovation, and Technical Expertise

• Convert quality and performance data into actionable improvement plans that elevate product reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers, providing technical guidance, coaching, and training in quality methodologies and process controls.
• Support Lean/ITW Toolbox implementation to help suppliers eliminate waste and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to new product development by conducting PFMEA, developing Control Plans, and performing vendor capability assessments for strong product launches.
• Promote a culture of growth and learning-encouraging smarter, more efficient, and more resilient practices.

What you need to be successful in this role:

• Relationship Building and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Ability to build and leverage relationships among peers, other departments, suppliers, and customers. Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, and external suppliers, to improve product quality.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify issues, analyze data, and develop informed, effective solutions regarding supplier performance and quality issues.
• Communication Skills
  :
  Excellent oral and…