Supplier Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer – Supplier & Customer Liaison

Location: Hybrid (3 days in-office per week)

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Travel: Up to 20% (local and domestic)

Benefits:

• Employer paid medical, dental, vision insurance, and life insurance
• 7% 401(k) match
• 3 weeks PTO

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and results-driven Quality Engineer to serve as a critical link between our North American customers, global manufacturing plants, Tier 2 suppliers, and U.S. warehouse operations. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with quality standards, managing supplier development, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate has a strong background in quality engineering, problem-solving, and project management within a Tier 1 supplier setting.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier & Customer Quality Management

• Act as a liaison between North American customers, international manufacturing sites, Tier 2 suppliers, and U.S. warehouse shipping operations.
• Conduct onsite supplier audits and feasibility assessments for both potential and current suppliers.
• Oversee supplier APQP and PPAP reviews, ensuring compliance with control plans, process flows, and quality requirements.
• Develop and implement strategies for supplier development and performance improvement.
• Review customer quality terms and conditions for new business opportunities.

Quality System & Compliance

• Support global manufacturing facilities in integrating ISO 9001:2015 / IATF 16949:2016 quality procedures.
• Perform internal audits to ensure compliance and drive continuous improvement efforts.
• Create and maintain work instructions for quality processes, including third-party warehouse procedures.
• Serve as the SAP Quality Key User, ensuring proper data management for imported and returned products.

Customer & Warranty Management

• Complete and submit PPAP documentation through customer portals.
• Monitor delivery performance and customer scorecards, taking proactive measures to maintain high ratings.
• Lead investigations into customer complaints, quality concerns, and warranty returns, identifying root causes and corrective actions.
• Attend customer warranty meetings, ensuring timely evaluation and response to returned parts.
• Visit customer plants to assess rejected materials, operator concerns, and packaging issues.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and present monthly quality status reports to management, covering complaints, performance metrics, and audit results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive good news, bad news, and open task discussions weekly.
• Assist in implementing new quality system initiatives and provide training for new employees on quality processes.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in quality engineering OR 5 years of progressive responsibility in a Tier 1 supplier setting.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and SAP or equivalent MRP systems.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 / IATF 16949:2016 and AIAG-APQP/PPAP requirements.
• Expertise in problem-solving methodologies and root cause analysis.
• Ability to conduct internal audits and train employees on quality processes.
• Experience with customer portals for PPAP submissions, delivery performance tracking, and warranty reporting.
• Strong analytical skills with a proactive approach to quality improvement.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment with global exposure.
• Play a key role in supplier and customer quality management, driving impactful improvements.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Be part of a company that values innovation, quality, and teamwork.

About Spark Talent Acquisition:

Spark Talent Acquisition is a recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that finding a new position can be stressful and identifying top talent can be challenging. For us to maximize successful placement and retention, we start by listening to and understanding each of our clients. We believe in face-to-face interaction and having a solid understanding of our client’s business before placement. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to continually create career opportunities.