Supplier Development Engineer 3 - Supplier Quality Engineer

About the role

Seeking a Supplier Development Engineer 3 to improve supplier quality, manufacturing capabilities, and overall supplier performance. This role will work closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify capability gaps, resolve quality issues, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement across supplier manufacturing processes. The position involves a combination of office-based engineering activities and visits to supplier manufacturing facilities. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, managing supplier relationships, analyzing quality data, and performing tactical day-to-day quality and process improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the quality of incoming supplier materials and components through testing, inspections, and assessments.
• Develop and maintain supplier inspection, testing, and evaluation processes.
• Monitor supplier quality metrics, including defect rates, trends, and recurring issues.
• Work with suppliers to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct supplier quality audits to evaluate manufacturing practices, processes, controls, and compliance.
• Support suppliers in improving manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production controls.
• Develop and implement quality assurance plans and process improvements.
• Review and manage PPAP submissions and validation activities.
• Support supplier development and certification activities.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities, processes, reputation, and product quality.
• Ensure suppliers comply with applicable manufacturing standards, procedures, and organizational requirements.
• Use objective data and problem-solving techniques to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare quality reports, presentations, and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with buyers, engineers, supplier representatives, and other cross-functional teams.
• Perform supplier-site visits and work directly on manufacturing floors when required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience. A Master’s degree may be considered with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong experience working in manufacturing and supplier quality environments.
• Experience with iron and aluminum casting and/or machined parts and processes.
• Familiarity with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Strong knowledge of PPAP elements and submission processes.
• Experience evaluating supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional stakeholders.

Note: Associate degrees and internships alone are not considered qualifying experience.

Skills

Top 3 Skills

• Iron & Aluminum Casting / Machining: Experience with casting and/or machined components and related manufacturing processes.
• APQP & Manufacturing Quality: Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, supplier quality systems, and complex engineered components.
• Supplier Development & Management: Ability to build supplier relationships, assess manufacturing capabilities, resolve quality issues, and drive performance improvements.

Additional Technical Skills

• Supplier Quality Management
• PPAP
• APQP
• Manufacturing Process Improvement
• Quality Audits
• Root Cause Analysis
• Corrective & Preventive Actions
• Supplier Evaluation & Certification
• Manufacturing Standards & Procedures
• Quality Assurance
• Process Controls
• Quality Metrics & Reporting
• Continuous Improvement
• Experience with complex engineered components and manufacturing environments

Required Soft Skills

• Effective Communication: Clearly communicates technical information, presents findings, prepares reports, and provides constructive feedback.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues, evaluates risks and alternatives, applies appropriate diagnostic tools, and develops practical solutions.
• Quality Orientation: Uses data to drive decisions, identifies root causes, and focuses on sustainable quality improvements.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with suppliers, buyers, engineers, and cross-functional teams.
• Tactical Execution: Willing to perform hands-on, day-to-day quality activities, projects, presentations, audits, and supplier improvement work.
• Relationship Management: Builds trust and maintains productive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Work Environment

The Supplier Development Engineer will be responsible for improving supplier performance by identifying capability gaps and implementing corrective actions to ensure quality, cost, and delivery standards are achieved. Work independently while collaborating closely with the supplier development team. Regular interaction with supplier representatives and internal stakeholders. Combination of office-based engineering work and supplier manufacturing-floor visits. PPE may be required during supplier manufacturing-site visits.

Team structure: 6 members (1 Agency Resource, 1 Buyer, 3 Supplier Development Engineers, and 1 Solution Owner).