Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer

About the role

Veeco is enabling the next generation of innovation across the semiconductor, AI, and advanced manufacturing sectors—and our success depends on a world-class, resilient global supply base.

Responsibilities

• Drive supplier quality and cost improvement initiatives in partnership with Engineering and Supply Chain
• Resolve supplier issues using structured root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Support zero-defect objectives through effective incoming and outgoing inspection strategies
• Participate in supplier selection, onboarding, and cross-functional supplier management activities
• Develop and execute supplier quality improvement plans and performance tracking
• Build strong supplier relationships to enhance capability and long-term performance
• Conduct supplier audits (including SSQA-based assessments) to baseline performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented, verified, and sustained
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across supplier processes and quality systems
• Partner with suppliers to implement and validate PQP tools such as PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA
• Evaluate process effectiveness and identify gaps to strengthen supplier quality systems
• Support risk mitigation strategies
• Work closely with Design and Manufacturing Engineering to improve specifications, manufacturability, and supplier compliance
• Review supplier drawings and specifications (including redlining as needed) to reduce deviations and strengthen quality outcomes
• Ensure alignment to copy-exact and change control expectations
• Manage supplier-related changes in materials, processes, or designs, including qualification and documentation requirements
• Drive risk identification and mitigation throughout the supply chain lifecycle
• Use data and statistical tools (SPC, trend analysis, metrics) to monitor supplier performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Generate and communicate supplier quality metrics and reports
• Improve efficiency through data automation and digital quality systems
• Take increasing ownership of supplier quality issues and improvement initiatives
• Develop capabilities in supplier strategy, cross-functional leadership, and performance management
• Contribute to broader quality and supply chain initiatives as the role expands

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field required
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or 3 years with a Master’s degree, supporting electro-mechanical components within complex supply chain environments
• Experience in the semiconductor industry is preferred; experience in related industries such as aerospace, automotive, or FDA-regulated environments is also valued due to transferable skills
• Preferrred certifications include one or more of the following: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), Quality Auditor (CQA), ISO Lead Auditor, or equivalent
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification (or higher) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, data-driven approach
• Proven ability to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions
• Working knowledge of PPAP/AIAG quality tools (SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, statistical analysis)
• Ability to apply skills to a high mix, low volume environment
• Ability to tackle multiple activities in a fast-paced environment and lift out priorities
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and suppliers, as well as concise presentation to upper management
• Assertive, collaborative team player with strong situational awareness
• High attention to detail with a focus on long-term, sustainable solutions
• Demonstrated self-motivation, initiative, ownership, and a bias toward action
• Collaborative, relationship-building attitude
• Strategic thinking towards continual improvement, going for better instead of perfect, meeting varying maturity suppliers where they are for next steps to lift them up, avoiding black/white thinking
• Learning agility and desire to grow into expanded responsibilities

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (~25%, with peaks up to 50%)
• On-site role when not traveling to supplier locations