Supplier Development Quality Engineer

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Development Engineer is responsible for working directly with suppliers to ensure high-quality components throughout product launch and ongoing production. This role focuses on developing supplier capabilities, supporting new product launches, and driving continuous improvement, with a strong preference for experience in plastic injection molded components and cosmetic parts.

• Partner with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, product quality, and system compliance to meet customer and internal standards
• Lead supplier APQP activities for new product launches and engineering changes, ensuring on-time and defect-free execution
• Support PPAP submissions and validate supplier readiness through run-at-rate, process reviews, and capability studies
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to identify risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and Operations to resolve supplier quality issues and prevent recurrence
• Analyze supplier quality data and performance metrics to drive corrective actions and long-term improvements
• Support supplier development initiatives including process optimization, scrap reduction, and variation control
• Provide on-site supplier support as needed, including travel for launch support and quality issue resolution
• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards and customer-specific requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or related)
• 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or supplier quality
• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, DFMEA, SPC, and root cause analysis
• Hands‑on experience with plastic injection molding, painted parts, or Class A cosmetic surfaces strongly preferred
• Experience conducting supplier audits and supporting launch activities
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 and OEM customer standards
• Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with suppliers
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally