Position SummaryThe Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for developing, monitoring, and improving supplier quality and manufacturing performance within a high-mix, low-volume machining and assembly environment. This role manages suppliers supporting precision machining, plating/coating, grinding, magnets, raw materials, and other critical manufacturing processes. The SQE partners with Purchasing, Engineering, Operations, and suppliers to drive corrective actions, process capability, continuous improvement, cost reduction, and supply-chain reliability.
Key ResponsibilitiesSupplier Quality Management & Development- Manage supplier quality performance for precision machining, plating/coating, grinding, magnet, raw material, and outside-processing suppliers.
- Assess supplier manufacturing capability, quality systems, capacity, process controls, and overall risk through audits, site visits, and performance reviews.
- Develop supplier improvement plans focused on quality, delivery, process capability, lead time, responsiveness, and operational performance.
- Support qualification and development of new suppliers and processes, including technical reviews, first article requirements, and production readiness.
Supplier Corrective Action & Problem Solving- Lead supplier corrective action activities for quality escapes, recurring defects, process failures, and customer-related issues.
- Drive structured problem solving using 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, Pareto, and other root-cause methodologies.
- Review and approve supplier corrective actions and verify effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
- Coordinate containment, sorting, rework, replacement, and recovery activities when supplier issues impact production or customers.
Process & Technical Quality- Partner with suppliers to improve machining, grinding, plating/coating, magnet manufacturing, inspection, and special-process controls.
- Review drawings, specifications, inspection methods, control plans, process flows, PFMEAs, capability studies, and measurement systems as applicable.
- Support PPAP/FAI or equivalent supplier qualification requirements based on product and customer needs.
- Work cross-functionally with Engineering and Operations to resolve supplier-related technical and manufacturability issues.
Supplier Scorecards & Performance Monitoring- Develop and maintain supplier scorecards covering Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness, Corrective Action, and Continuous Improvement.
- Monitor supplier PPM/defect rates, OTD, corrective-action closure, repeat issues, and other supplier KPIs.
- Lead supplier performance reviews and establish recovery plans for underperforming suppliers.
- Use supplier performance data to support supplier segmentation, sourcing decisions, development priorities, and risk mitigation.
Supplier VA/VE & Continuous Improvement- Lead joint supplier Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives to improve cost, quality, manufacturability, and lead time.
- Facilitate supplier workshops to identify process improvements, material alternatives, specification optimization, and waste reduction opportunities.
- Partner with Purchasing and Engineering to evaluate and implement supplier-driven cost-reduction and productivity ideas.
- Promote Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement throughout the supply base.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, or related technical field preferred.
- 5+ years of supplier quality, manufacturing quality, supplier development, or related engineering experience.
- Experience supporting a high-mix, low-volume machining and assembly manufacturing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of precision machining, grinding, plating/coating, special processes, and/or magnet manufacturing preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with supplier corrective actions, root-cause analysis, supplier audits, and supplier development.
- Experience developing supplier scorecards and leading supplier performance reviews.
- Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FAI, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, 8D, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
- Strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, and supplier relationship skills; ability to travel to suppliers as required.
Targeted Salary Range: $115,000-$135,000 + bonus
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical/Rx, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Basic Life/AD&D (includes coverage for dependents 100% Company paid), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability (100% Company paid), Supplemental Life/AD&D, 401(k) with Company match, tuition assistance after 1 year, paid time off, and 11 paid holidays.
