Supplier Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer supports the quality department by working directly with key suppliers to resolve performance issues, drive process and quality system improvements, and ensure uninterrupted production. This role focuses on supplier development, capacity and capability assessments, and the execution of performance improvement plans across engine, fuel, and hydraulic systems. The position is long-term with the potential to transition to a direct role, and is ideal for a highly independent professional who enjoys extensive travel, hands-on problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Visit key supplier sites regularly to analyze performance issues and identify root causes related to quality, delivery, capacity, and process capability.
• Coordinate and implement improvement strategies at supplier sites, including purchase order alignment, process enhancements, and quality system improvements.
• Expedite critical parts at critical suppliers by removing roadblocks and ensuring zero disruption to the production line.
• Work with suppliers to establish back-to-purchase-order recovery plans using harmonized lines of balance and ensure daily follow-up on progress.
• Align with internal stakeholders in Procurement, Quality, and Operations to define a clear mandate for each supplier intervention and ensure a smooth handover once objectives are met.
• Identify supplier improvement and risk mitigation opportunities at key supplier sites and manage the resulting improvement activities from initiation through closure.
• Drive execution of supplier performance improvement plans and collaborate with internal and external partners to pursue solutions and close action plans.
• Develop and support supplier development plans that focus on quality, delivery performance, capacity, and supplier process capability for engine, fuel, and hydraulic systems.
• Provide regular feedback and progress updates to all relevant stakeholders on supplier support activities, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external groups and escalate issues appropriately when risks or roadblocks arise.
• Conduct thorough onsite capacity and capability reviews at supplier locations and establish clear action plans to address identified gaps.
• Coordinate personal work travel plans, including reservations, follow-up, expense claims, and financial review related to travel activities.
• Work on multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize activities based on business needs, and ensure timely completion of assigned projects.
• Apply strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills to address complex supplier quality issues and drive sustainable improvements.
• Maintain a strong sense of ethics and customer focus in all interactions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Leverage operational and financial management knowledge to support decision-making and evaluate the impact of supplier performance on the business.

• Bachelor's degree in Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a relevant field such as supplier quality, quality assurance, quality engineering, or quality control.
• Strong manufacturing and production knowledge and experience, including work with sub-tier suppliers.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier quality, quality assurance, root cause analysis, and quality control.
• Experience with systems related to engines, fuel systems, and hydraulic systems.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 70% of the time to supplier locations.
• Proven ability to work extremely independently and engage with new suppliers with minimal supervision.
• Experience in project planning and coordination involving multiple sectors or departments.
• Expert-level computer skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively prioritize work.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong sense of ethics and a customer-focused mindset.
• Good operational and financial management knowledge.
• Understanding of business relationships and dynamics between suppliers and the hiring organization.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

• Experience working with major industrial suppliers in engine, fuel, and hydraulic systems environments.
• Background in audit activities related to supplier quality or quality systems.
• Experience conducting thorough capacity and capability assessments at supplier sites.
• Familiarity with developing and executing supplier performance improvement and development plans.
• Comfort working in cross-functional teams that include Procurement, Quality, and Operations.
• Ability to provide clear, structured feedback and status updates to stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills to…