Supplier Quality Engineer

Title: Supplier Quality Engineer

Location: Tecumseh, MI (onsite)

Pay: $80-95k/yr

Reason for Opening: Individual previously in this role was promoted

Type: Direct Hire

Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all products and components provided by suppliers meet established quality standards, including reliability, usability, and performance. This role focuses on supplier quality management, including auditing, performance monitoring, and issue resolution. The Supplier Quality Engineer will collaborate with suppliers, engineering teams, production personnel, and customers to resolve quality issues, ensure adherence to specifications, and promote continuous improvement initiatives. The role involves supplier audits, implementing supplier quality control measures, and supporting production teams with supplier-related quality challenges.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the company’s supplier quality program, including quality audits, scorecards, and evaluations.
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and ISO 9001 requirements, identifying areas for improvement and driving corrective actions.
• Develop and implement incoming inspection criteria for supplier parts, including identification of key characteristics, sampling plans, and gauging techniques.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality issues using root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and preventative measures to minimize recurrence.
• Track and monitor supplier quality performance through scorecards and other metrics, reporting findings to management and recommending improvements.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers and internal teams to ensure supplier products meet customer requirements, handling supplier-related quality complaints as necessary.
• Work with suppliers to drive continuous improvement initiatives, using tools like statistical process control, process flowcharting, and lean methodologies.
• Support the identification and management of supplier non-conformance issues, ensuring timely resolution and documentation.
• Maintain supplier quality documentation in compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS), including inspection records, audits, and supplier performance data.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and purchasing teams to align supplier quality requirements with manufacturing processes and customer expectations.
• Assist suppliers in understanding and applying quality standards, offering guidance on quality improvement strategies.
• Assist in the support of other company facilities as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering or related field (Required)
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification (Preferred)
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in supplier quality management, ISO 9001, and QMS
• Experience with supplier quality tools such as supplier scorecards, performance evaluations, and supplier audits
• Strong knowledge of AIAG core tools (FMEA, APQP, PPAP, MSA, SPC)
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T
• Familiarity with Continuous Improvement methodologies such as Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, Plex, E2)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with suppliers and internal teams
• Knowledge of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) practices – A PLUS
• Familiarity with tooling, molding, and CMM operation – A PLUS
• Knowledge of SolidWorks – A PLUS