Supplier Quality Engineer400 Main Street, Ashland, MAAbout the RoleWe are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Supplier Quality Engineer to support our incoming inspection team with daily inspection activities while partnering cross-functionally to ensure suppliers provide high-quality products that conform to engineering specifications and regulatory requirements. This role is approximately 50% dedicated to incoming inspection activities and 50% focused on supplier quality engineering responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of precision measuring tools and inspection techniques, including CMMs, thread gauges, calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, and GD&T principles. The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for examining incoming materials, in-process production, and finished products to verify quality and compliance requirements.
In addition, this role will lead supplier quality initiatives including qualifying new suppliers, investigating and resolving supplier quality issues, analyzing defect trends, and driving continuous improvement activities. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to effectively collaborate with suppliers, internal teams, and leadership.
Key Responsibilities- Perform routine and first article inspections on purchased components using precision measuring tools, instruments, and optical comparators.
- Support incoming inspection activities to ensure materials meet engineering and quality requirements.
- Manage supplier quality issues identified during incoming inspection or on the manufacturing floor.
- Utilize ERP systems, Excel spreadsheets, and drawing databases to access information, review drawings, and process transactions within the ERP system.
- Evaluate nonconforming products, assess impact, and coordinate supplier corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Lead supplier qualification and approval activities, including supplier selection and PPAP requirements.
- Coordinate initial component quality requirements including First Article Inspection (FAI), process qualification, control plans, and Gauge R&R studies.
- Generate supplier KPIs and performance metrics, including quarterly supplier scorecards.
- Identify underperforming suppliers and work collaboratively to improve quality performance and reduce defect rates.
- Support supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives, including transition activities to alternate suppliers when necessary.
- Lead root cause investigations and guide suppliers through effective 8D corrective action processes.
- Work independently to manage supplier quality program requirements and drive process improvements.
- Perform additional related duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or inspection environments.
- Experience with inspection and acceptance of machined, forged, and cast components.
- Strong understanding of GD&T and proficiency using precision measuring equipment such as CMMs, calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, and optical comparators.
- Familiarity with industry standards including ANSI and ASTM.
- Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 requirements.
- Strong understanding of 8D problem-solving methodology and root cause corrective action processes.
- Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and other core quality tools.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
