Supplier Quality Engineer

Scot Forge is a 130-year-old, 100% employee-owned company specializing in custom open die and rolled ring forgings. We provide forged solutions for industries ranging from physical infrastructure and energy to manufacturing, mining, and national defense. Our products are used in demanding applications worldwide, from NASA’s Mars Rover to nuclear submarines and large mining equipment.

About the role

The Supplier Quality Engineer supports and improves the performance of our partner suppliers, ensuring they have the processes and manufacturing skills to produce quality parts. This role involves verifying workmanship, reviewing quality documents, resolving discrepancies, and driving continuous improvement. The position requires collaboration with internal teams and suppliers to maintain and enhance quality and delivery standards.

Responsibilities

• Resolve discrepancies with suppliers, working alongside internal Quality, Purchasing, and Sales teams to disposition non-conforming material.
• Lead structured problem-solving events with cross-functional teams, both internally and externally.
• Conduct supplier reviews and develop recovery plans when necessary.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal subject matter experts to create quality control and inspection plans for high-risk orders/products.
• Build and maintain first article, PPAP, or APQP processes for the supply base.
• Monitor quality and delivery metrics for assigned suppliers and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure suppliers meet or exceed Scot Forge’s quality and delivery goals.
• Issue formal Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR) for suppliers with unacceptable quality or delivery performance, and monitor progress toward improvement.
• Assist Production Control and Manufacturing with purchase order status and customer inquiries.
• Travel to and audit current and potential suppliers, including international travel (valid US passport required). Submit formal reports detailing supplier visits to leadership.
• Review and verify supplier inspection reports to ensure compliance with Scot Forge’s specifications and Quality Management Systems.
• Communicate review results to buyers and suppliers.
• Strategically identify and develop new supply sources (domestic and international) with the buyer, ensuring technical capability and quality standards are met.

Requirements

• BS degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2-5 years of progressive experience in Quality or Manufacturing Engineering within a manufacturing organization.
• 1-2 years of recent experience in the Metals Industry preferred.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, solid models, and inspection reports.
• Exposure to metrology and advanced inspection tools (e.g., CMM, Romer, Laser) highly preferred.
• Experience leading or participating in cross-functional, structured problem-solving events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Strong machining and metal removal experience preferred.
• Moderate knowledge of forging, sawing, heat treating, destructive testing, and non-destructive examination processes.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP functions; JD Edwards experience preferred.
• Experience in a multi-plant manufacturing environment.
• Proven continuous improvement skills with experience in team-based activities that drive profitability and efficiency.
• Project management skills to develop work agreements, scopes, timelines, and deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Sales, customers, and suppliers.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to work safely in a heavy manufacturing environment.
• Must be authorized to work anywhere in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Must pass a 90-day head hair drug test.

Schedule

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Up to 40% travel to supplier locations, including potential international travel.
• Primarily located at the Spring Grove, IL facility, with occasional travel to Franklin Park, IL and Clinton, WI.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Hearing coverage.
• Life (Basic & AD&D) and Disability (STD & LTD) insurance.
• 401K Plan with company match.
• Profit Sharing.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Tax Savings accounts (FSA & HSA).
• Vacation Time, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.

Pay

The estimated pay range for this position reflects the lowest and highest range Scot Forge believes it would pay at the time of posting. The actual base pay offered will depend on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business needs. Bonuses or other forms of compensation remain at the company’s discretion and may be modified consistent with the law.

Working Conditions

• Mixture of office work and occasional time in production areas where forklifts, overhead cranes, and related equipment are in use.
• Exposure to heat, cold, wet, or humid conditions may occur.
• Production environment may include excessive loud noise.
• Appropriate PPE is mandatory when in production areas.