Supplier Quality Engineer

About the role

The Supplier Quality Engineer drives exceptional product quality that delivers strong customer value while ensuring regulatory compliance and optimized cost of quality. This role focuses on developing and executing robust supplier quality processes to ensure high-quality materials, safe and efficient equipment operation, and continuous improvement across the supply base. This is a Contract position based out of Hamel, MN. The position is fully onsite.

Work Environment: This role requires regular interaction with suppliers and internal teams and involves approximately 30%–40% travel to supplier sites and other locations as needed. The position operates in a mix of office, manufacturing, and supplier facility environments, where you will conduct audits, inspections, and on-site quality reviews. The work setting emphasizes adherence to quality standards, safety practices, and efficient equipment operation while supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage comprehensive supplier quality plans based on thorough risk analysis to ensure consistent product quality and reliability.
• Support and maintain ISO 9000 quality process requirements to align supplier activities with established quality standards.
• Support the implementation of initiatives focused on improving supplier processes, performance, and overall quality.
• Ensure suppliers develop, implement, and execute effective Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plans to address quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Evaluate the need for quality data and reports, and provide accurate and timely quality information that supports key processes and decision-making.
• Perform supplier quality audits in accordance with verification plans and quality requirements to assess compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Identify non-conforming materials and workmanship, conduct detailed root cause analysis, and implement both short-term containment and long-term corrective actions.
• Participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing supplier performance, product quality, and process efficiency.
• Prepare, write, and submit clear and detailed reports related to audits, inspections, rejects, root causes, and other quality-related activities.

Skills

• Proven experience in supplier quality, with a