Supplier Quality Engineer

Pay Range:

The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.

We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer. The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) serves as a critical link between Strategic Sourcing, Suppliers, Operations, Engineering, and Quality to ensure world-class supplier performance across The Kinetic Group's manufacturing network. This role is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence, mitigating supply chain risk, supporting new product introductions, and leading corrective and preventive actions to improve supplier capability, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

The SQE will work proactively with suppliers to develop robust quality systems, resolve performance issues, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that support operational objectives and customer requirements.

This position reports to the Director of Category Management and is based out of our Anoka, Minnesota office.  

What you’ll do:

Supplier Quality Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality strategies aligned with strategic sourcing objectives.

• Partner with suppliers to improve quality performance, process capability, and manufacturing controls.

• Establish supplier quality metrics and monitor supplier performance through scorecards, KPIs, and performance reviews.

• Identify and mitigate supplier-related quality and supply risks through proactive engagement and development efforts.

• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and validation activities for new and existing suppliers.

Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to evaluate compliance, capability, and continuous improvement opportunities.

• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes with suppliers, ensuring timely root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.

• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools to reduce defects, variation, and waste throughout the supply chain.

• Support supplier capacity planning and readiness activities to ensure alignment with business growth and customer demand.

Advanced Quality Planning & New Product Introduction

• Collaborate with Engineering and Program Management teams during new product launches and engineering changes.

• Lead supplier Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and First Article Inspection (FAI) activities where applicable.

• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and quality plans to ensure product and process robustness.

• Support qualification and validation of new materials, components, and manufacturing processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Strategic Sourcing, Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to align supplier performance with organizational objectives.

• Support strategic sourcing initiatives through supplier evaluations, risk assessments, and technical reviews.

• Provide supplier quality expertise during supplier selection, contract negotiations, and business reviews.

• Lead cross-functional efforts to resolve critical supplier quality issues impacting production or customer satisfaction.

Compliance & Quality Systems

• Ensure supplier compliance with company quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.

• Maintain accurate supplier quality records, audit reports, and performance documentation.

• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits as required.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and quality throughout the supplier network.

Experience you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Quality, or a related technical discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain, or Operations within a manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated experience leading supplier corrective action and supplier development initiatives.

• Strong understanding of quality management systems, statistical analysis, and root cause methodologies.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.

• Experience utilizing ERP systems, supplier management tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

• Excellent project management, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.

You might have:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or related certification.

• Experience in defense, ammunition, sporting products, aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent quality systems.

• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Work Environment:

Employee work assignments may include tasks working with and/or exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to all employees to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.

Benefits:

At The Kinetic Group, we believe the people who build great products deserve great support. That's why we offer day-one healthcare coverage, company-paid parental leave, a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 6%, career development opportunities, education assistance, and paid time away from work to help you thrive both professionally and personally.