Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, 53204-2941

About the role

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring supplier quality, product reliability, and manufacturing excellence across our supply chain. This hands-on role partners closely with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and suppliers to drive continuous improvement, support new product development, and ensure products meet Komatsu's quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain supplier quality systems that ensure products and processes meet Komatsu quality standards.
• Lead supplier quality activities, including supplier audits, quality risk assessments, and corrective action (SCAR) management.
• Support supplier selection, new product development (NPD), and new program launches through technical reviews and quality planning.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to ensure product specifications and quality requirements are achieved.
• Develop and maintain quality plans, documentation, and standardized quality processes.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends, implement corrective and preventive actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance on supplier quality matters to internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Conduct supplier site visits for audits, inspections, and product approvals prior to shipment.
• Promote continuous improvement methodologies and quality best practices throughout the supply chain.
• Stay current on industry standards, quality systems, and manufacturing best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Supplier Quality Engineering role.
• At least 3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment utilizing APQP tools, including Inspection, Capability Studies, Control Plans, and PFMEA.
• Demonstrated supplier quality experience with knowledge of quality engineering practices such as Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions, Quality Planning, and Lead Auditor training or other documented continuing education in quality engineering functions.
• Current or previous AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification strongly preferred.
• Subject matter expertise in heavy plate processing and fabrication.
• Experience with fabrication weldments, heat treatment, machining, and mechanical assembly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of quality control standards, ISO 9001, and quality management systems.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, and SOLIDWORKS/SOLIDWORKS Inspection is beneficial.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including international travel to supplier locations in Canada and other global sites as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, HSA, wellness programs, and other health benefits.
• 401k and/or employee savings programs.
• Employee time off (vacation and designated holidays).
• Employee and family assistance programs.
• Disability benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Employee learning and development programs.

About the company

Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment, and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial, and forestry markets. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu employs more than 64,000 people worldwide, operating in more than 140 countries. For over a century, the company has created value through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering to empower a sustainable future where people, business, and the planet thrive together.