Supplier Quality Engineer

Title: Supplier Quality Engineer
Location: Greater Springfield, MA
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000
Job Type: Direct hire, full time
Must be a US citizen, no exceptions.

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer supports the business in supplier project management for assigned commodities, supplier assessments, supplier performance improvement, technical data interpretation and analysis (e.g., engineering drawings, specifications, purchase orders), and quality system management.

• Drive supplier improvement initiatives by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to improve on-time delivery and reduce scrap, rework, and repair costs
• Lead problem-solving efforts using structured methodologies to address supplier nonconformances and performance issues
• Coordinate and implement changes to procedures, production processes, engineering specifications, and inspection techniques; monitor results to validate improvements
• Perform source inspections (onsite or remote) based on business needs and criticality
• Analyze product and process data to identify trends, optimize manufacturing performance, and reduce variability
• Develop product quality plans, inspection methodologies, and process control strategies
• Review and approve First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) in accordance with industry standards (e.g., AS9102)
• Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and daily nonconformance activities, including containment actions
• Interpret technical requirements, including customer drawings and specifications, and ensure proper flow-down to suppliers
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) and Configuration Control Board (CCB) processes
• Develop process flow diagrams and perform Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
• Collaborate with suppliers to establish statistically valid control plans
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to reduce variation and improve quality
• Conduct internal and external audits of quality systems, processes, and products
• Support product and process qualifications, certifications, and approvals

• Expertise in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
• Proficiency in problem-solving tools such as 5 Whys, FMEA, 8D, Pareto analysis, fault tree analysis, and Ishikawa diagrams
• Strong technical writing, communication, project management, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to drive accountability and deliver results in cross-functional environments
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, including GD&T
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, heat treatment, coatings, and non-destructive testing
• Experience supporting high-reliability or regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense, or similar) preferred
• Working knowledge of customer and regulatory requirements and contract flow-down processes
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Understanding of quality management systems such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and Nadcap
• Ability to develop and implement control plans, inspection strategies, and audit programs
• Experience with metrology and automated inspection equipment
• Ability to perform failure analysis and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Familiarity with industrialization processes such as PPAP and product validation/verification processes
• Proficiency in standard business applications (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Project)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in supplier quality or supply chain improvement
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., ASQ, Six Sigma) are preferred