Supplier Quality Engineer / Specialist

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop, qualify, and maintain suppliers to ensure reliable delivery of quality materials, components, and assemblies.

· Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and capability reviews to evaluate manufacturing processes, quality systems, technical readiness, and delivery performance.

· Lead supplier qualification and Part Approval activities, including First Article Inspection, PPAP or equivalent validation processes, capability studies, and production readiness reviews.

· Review and assess supplier-proposed alternative materials, components, and manufacturing processes for mechanical parts, including metal, plastic, fabricated, machined, cast, and molded components. Lead technical-equivalency and supplier-change assessments for material changes, second-source suppliers, and obsolescence risks; evaluate form, fit, function, durability, manufacturability, supplier capability, regulatory or certification impact, cost, and validation requirements. Define the required documentation, samples, testing, First Article Inspection, PPAP, or other validation evidence, provide a technical recommendation for pre-approval, and coordinate final approval through the Engineering change-control process.

· Develop and approve supplier quality-planning deliverables, including process flow diagrams, PFMEAs, control plans, inspection plans, MSA studies, capability studies, and corrective-action plans, as appropriate to the component risk.

· Monitor supplier performance using key metrics such as quality, on-time delivery, responsiveness, cost competitiveness, and corrective action closure.

· Work with suppliers to identify root causes of defects, implement corrective and preventive actions, and drive sustainable quality improvements.

· Lead supplier quality initiatives focused on process stability, yield improvement, cost reduction, capacity readiness, and risk mitigation.

· Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Sourcing teams to ensure supplier capabilities align with business requirements and product specifications.

· Support new product introduction and engineering change activities by ensuring suppliers are prepared to meet technical, schedule, and quality expectations.

· Drive cost reduction initiatives with suppliers through process improvement, value engineering, waste reduction, and manufacturability improvements.

· Ensure suppliers comply with applicable regulatory, environmental, safety, and quality requirements.

· Identify supplier risks and develop mitigation plans to protect continuity of supply and support operational performance.

· Travel to supplier locations as required to conduct audits, resolve technical issues, support launches, and verify corrective actions.

Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field; Mechanical Engineering preferred.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, or process improvement.

· Experience working with suppliers in a manufacturing environment, preferably involving complex components, assemblies, or engineered products.

· Demonstrated knowledge of quality systems, supplier audits, root cause analysis, corrective action planning, statistical process control, and process capability.

· Experience supporting supplier qualification and validation activities such as FAI, PPAP, control plans, inspection plans, capability studies, or equivalent processes.

· Ability to interpret mechanical engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, bills of materials, test requirements, inspection requirements, and supplier manufacturing documentation.

· Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, value engineering, and continuous improvement methodologies.

· Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple supplier quality activities and manage cross-functional deliverables.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

· Candidates with demonstrated expertise in mechanical systems, including machined components, fabricated assemblies, castings, molded parts, fluid-handling components, or related manufacturing processes, will be preferred.

· Ability to travel to supplier locations as required.

Preferred Experience:

· Experience supporting suppliers in energy storage, industrial equipment, fluid-handling systems, mechanical assemblies, or other technically complex manufacturing sectors.

· Working knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ASME standards, GD&T practices, or other relevant quality and regulatory standards.

· Experience conducting supplier capacity assessments, production readiness reviews, and manufacturing process audits.

· Experience supporting supplier corrective action requests, 8D problem solving, and supplier escalation processes.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:

Improve supplier quality performance through defect reduction and implementation of best quality practices and procedures

· Support timely supplier qualification and production readiness activities.

Reduce supplier-related risks through proactive quality planning and mitigation planning.

· Deliver cost reduction and value engineering opportunities.

· Build strong supplier relationships that support long-term business objectives.

· Support reliable supply of materials, components, and assemblies that meet technical, quality, delivery, and cost requirements.

If you are passionate about supplier quality, technical problem solving, and building high-performing supplier partnerships, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity. This role offers the chance to directly influence supplier capability, product quality, cost competitiveness, and operational readiness.