Contract Staff Supplier Quality Engineer, Manufacturing

Job Summary & Responsibilities

The Manufacturing Supplier Quality Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring new products transition seamlessly from development/pilot line into full-scale production within an ISO 9001 cleanroom environment. This hybrid role blends Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on APQP, PPAP, risk mitigation, and early supplier engagement.

• Drive supplier quality and manufacturing readiness activities from concept through product launch.
• Lead APQP deliverables including PFMEA, control plans, process flow diagrams, MSA/Gage R&R, and capability studies to support Product Life Cycle (PLC) readiness.
• Manage PPAP submissions for new components, assemblies, and critical processes.
• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure design manufacturability and robust process controls prior to release.
• Identify and mitigate risks early using structured tools (DFMEA/PFMEA, risk registers, control plans, etc.).

Hybrid Manufacturing Engineering / Quality Engineering Responsibilities

• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and equipment to ensure capability, repeatability, and scalability.
• Support process development, qualification, and validation activities at suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier issues using 8D/4D or similar methodologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance yield, reduce defects, and improve process robustness.
• Support build readiness for engineering builds, pilot runs/lines, and ramp-up phases.

Supplier Quality & Operational Excellence

• Develop and execute supplier audit plans focused on QMS maturity, process capability, and NPI readiness.
• Ensure supplier compliance with quality agreements, specifications, and change control requirements.
• Manage PCNs and ensure proper validation and risk assessment for any supplier-driven changes.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and scorecards; lead improvement plans where needed.
• Facilitate technical reviews, supplier meetings, and QBRs to ensure alignment and accountability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure smooth product introduction.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams and suppliers on manufacturability, quality standards, and process controls.
• Ensure complete documentation of processes, validation results, and quality records throughout the NPI cycle.