Supplier Quality Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality assurance processes and procedures for suppliers to ensure they meet the company's quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor supplier quality performance using key metrics (e.g., defect rates, on-time delivery, etc.) and take corrective actions as needed.
• Carry out regular supplier audits, assessments, and inspections to ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements, regulatory standards, and internal procedures.
• Work with suppliers to address any non-conformances identified during audits.
• Lead investigations into quality issues related to supplier materials or components. Utilize root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, FMEA) to identify the underlying causes of defects or failures. Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in collaboration with suppliers.
• Partner with suppliers to improve their quality systems, processes, and capabilities. Provide technical support and guidance to suppliers on quality-related issues, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with company standards.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier quality performance, audits, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives. Prepare and present regular reports to senior management and cross-functional teams on supplier quality metrics, trends, and performance improvements.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including procurement, manufacturing, engineering, and logistics, to address quality concerns related to supplier components or materials. Ensure that product design, specifications, and supplier capabilities are aligned to meet quality and production requirements.
• Support the evaluation and qualification of new suppliers, ensuring that their quality management systems and processes meet the company’s standards. Participate in supplier selection, quality assessments, and qualification audits to ensure fit with organizational requirements.
• Identify potential risks in the supply chain related to product quality or supplier performance. Work with suppliers and internal teams to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, certifications, and company quality standards (ISO, TS16949, etc.).
• Participate in and drive continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing supplier quality, reducing defects, and improving overall supply chain performance. Utilize tools such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 3+ years of experience in quality engineering, supplier quality, or related roles, ideally in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of quality standards and methodologies (ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, etc.).
• Experience conducting supplier audits, inspections, and quality assessments.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, etc.).
• Familiarity with quality management systems (QMS) and continuous improvement methodologies (Six Sigma, Lean).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal teams.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with quality management software or ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed.
• Certification in quality or supplier management (e.g., CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or similar).
• Experience in a global supply chain or working with international suppliers.
• Knowledge of advanced product quality planning (APQP) and product lifecycle management (PLM).
• Experience in a regulated industry (automotive, defense, aerospace, medical devices, etc.).

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care.
• Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays.
• Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.
• Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.
• Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.

Paid Leave

• Generous PTO and Holidays.
• Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.