Supplier Quality Engineer

Who We Are

Virginia Transformer is the largest U.S.

-owned producer of power transformers in North America, and we’ve been able to grow the past 50-plus years through an unwavering focus on delivering for our customers.

We’re more than 5,800 people strong and are known throughout the industry as an engineering company that manufactures premium-quality transformers in the shortest lead times.

As a privately held, organically growing company, we thrive on nimbleness, innovation, and tenacity.

Virginia Transformer is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to support the development, qualification, and quality performance of suppliers providing critical materials, components, and assemblies used in transformer manufacturing operations.

The Supplier Quality Engineer will work directly with suppliers and cross‑functional teams, including Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality, to qualify new suppliers and components, improve supplier manufacturing processes, resolve quality issues, and drive continuous improvement.

This position is based on‑site in Roanoke, VA and will support domestic and international suppliers, including suppliers in India and Mexico.

• Support the qualification and development of new suppliers, components, and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct supplier capability assessments, manufacturing process audits, quality system audits, and supplier qualification reviews.
• Support First Article Inspections (FAI), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Partner with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, quality systems, process controls, and overall supplier performance.

• Monitor and improve supplier performance using supplier scorecards, quality metrics, defect trends, and corrective action performance.
• Conduct supplier process, product, and quality system audits.
• Ensure Critical to Quality (CTQ) requirements are properly documented in control plans, inspection plans, engineering drawings, and supplier quality documentation.
• Review supplier PFMEAs and control plans to identify manufacturing risks and drive risk‑reduction actions.

• Lead supplier corrective actions using 8D, Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, 5‑Why, and other structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Investigate supplier‑related quality issues and work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and suppliers to implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Track supplier corrective actions through completion and verify effectiveness.

• Support supplier quality activities for components and assemblies used in power transformers and electrical power distribution equipment.
• Review inspection results, manufacturing processes, workmanship, fit and finish, packaging, and shipment quality.
• Support the resolution of supplier‑related production issues, nonconforming materials, field failures, and warranty concerns.
• Lead supplier defect reduction, process improvement, and cost‑of‑quality initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier capability, reduce manufacturing variation, and prevent recurring quality issues.
• Support supplier development initiatives focused on improving quality, delivery, cost, and manufacturing performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, Product Quality, or a related engineering role.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience conducting supplier audits, manufacturing process assessments, and supplier qualification activities.
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, CAPA, 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and 5‑Why methodologies.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, inspection requirements, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and supplier management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

• Experience with transformers, switch gear, electrical equipment, power distribution products, or other complex engineered manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, UL, ISO 9001, and applicable electrical industry standards.
• Experience with PPAP, APQP, First Article Inspection, Control Plans, and supplier quality documentation.
• Experience working with international suppliers, particularly suppliers in India and Mexico.
• Experience using supplier scorecards, quality metrics, defect analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.

This position is on‑site in Roanoke, VA and is not a remote or hybrid role.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates who are open to relocating to the Roanoke area.