Quality Engineer

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer – Clear Lake, SD (Permanent)

Job Description: The Supplier Quality Engineer serves as the primary point of contact for all supplier-related quality issues. This role verifies non‑conforming materials at receiving inspection, coordinates corrective actions with suppliers and internal teams, and ensures that supplier quality management systems and manufacturing processes meet organizational standards. The Engineer also supports new supplier qualification and continuously improves overall supplier quality performance.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for supplier quality issues and act as the liaison between internal product teams and suppliers.
• Work closely with receiving inspection personnel to verify non‑conformances at the time of material receipt and ensure accurate documentation of issues.
• Issue and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), ensuring timely responses and effective resolution of supplier‑related problems.
• Develop, manage, and monitor timelines to resolve supplier issues and verify the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct supplier visits to perform audits, address ongoing quality issues, and support product validation activities.
• Perform audits of supplier Quality Management Systems (QMS) and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with quality engineering staff and suppliers when Automated Inspection Equipment (AIE) and/or Measurement Systems Evaluation (MSE) are required, ensuring appropriate use and validation of measurement systems.
• Work with suppliers to perform first‑article inspections at both supplier facilities and internal locations, confirming that initial production meets all specifications and standards.
• Support purchasing personnel in the process of qualifying new suppliers, including participation in evaluations, audits, and ongoing performance reviews.
• Assist with the daily scheduling of priorities in receiving inspection to ensure timely and efficient processing of incoming materials.

• Proven experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or supplier quality roles within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of quality control and quality management principles, including practical application of Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Hands‑on experience conducting audits of supplier Quality Management Systems and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to work directly with suppliers to perform inspections, including first‑article inspections, and to address quality issues collaboratively.
• Experience issuing, tracking, and closing Supplier Corrective Actions (SCARs), with a focus on verifying effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Familiarity with Automated Inspection Equipment (AIE) and Measurement Systems Evaluation (MSE) and the ability to support their use with suppliers.
• Strong communication skills to serve as an effective point of contact between internal teams and suppliers.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, including assisting with daily scheduling of receiving inspection activities.
• Attention to detail and analytical skills to verify non‑conformances and evaluate supplier performance.
• Experience performing product validation activities at supplier sites.
• Experience in auditing and improving manufacturing processes in collaboration with suppliers.
• Exposure to supplier qualification processes in partnership with purchasing or procurement teams.
• Ability to travel to supplier locations for audits, inspections, and issue resolution as needed.

The pay range for this position is $60,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year. Full‑time benefits are offered.

Permanent, fully onsite position in Clear Lake, SD. The role involves work on the shop floor, in inspection areas, and in office settings for documentation, analysis, and coordination. Regular interaction with suppliers, including on‑site visits for audits and inspections.

The company is an equal‑opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion,…