Supplier Quality Specialist

Job Overview

The Supplier Quality Specialist ensures that purchased materials, off-the-components, and outsourced services from external suppliers meet the company's quality, technical, and regulatory requirements. This role is crucial in preventing supplier-related defects, minimizing manufacturing disruptions, and supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain.

About the Role

At Westfall Technik, we are committed to keeping our jobs in the US and investing in our people. As a Supplier Quality Specialist, you'll play a key role in protecting product integrity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Management

  • Lead supplier qualification, approval, and requalification processes for new and existing suppliers.

  • Conduct onsite and virtual supplier audits to assess compliance with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF, AS standards as applicable).

  • Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, controls, and risk levels.

• Incoming Quality & Process Control

  • Define and implement incoming inspection plans and acceptance criteria for supplier-provided materials and components.

  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, and change notices to ensure supplier alignment.

  • Support PPAP, FAI, or equivalent supplier validation activities as required.

• Defect Resolution & Corrective Action

  • Lead investigations of supplier-related nonconformances and defects.

  • Issue Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) for nonconformances.

  • Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness to prevent recurrence.

• Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement

  • Maintain supplier scorecards and performance dashboards.

  • Collaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, capability, and reliability.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Act as the primary quality liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders (Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Management).

  • Communicate quality expectations, technical requirements, and engineering changes to suppliers.

  • Participate in internal reviews, MRB discussions, and quality improvement projects.

• Documentation & Compliance

  • Maintain accurate supplier quality documentation, audit reports, corrective action records, and performance data.

  • Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements.

  • Support internal and external audits related to supplier quality.

Requirements

• Clear and professional communication with suppliers, internal teams, and leadership.

• Strong negotiation and influence skills to drive supplier accountability and improvement.

• Presentation ability to prepare and present supplier performance reviews, audit findings, and quality metrics to management.

• Comfortable presenting data-driven insights and improvement plans to cross-functional and executive audiences.

• System proficiency in quality management systems (QMS), ERP/MRP systems, and supplier portals.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data-tracking tools.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret quality data, trends, and performance metrics.

• Structured problem-solving mindset with a focus on root cause elimination rather than containment.

• Exposure to supplier audits, vendor management, and cross-functional manufacturing operations.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.

• Experience working with domestic and/or international suppliers is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Quality, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or related field.

• 3–5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality.

• Hands-on experience with supplier audits, defect resolution, and quality performance management.

Skills

• Communication

• Negotiation & Influence

• Presentation

• Data Analysis

• Problem Solving

• Supplier Audits

• Defect Resolution

• Continuous Improvement

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Documentation & Compliance

Benefits

Westfall Technik offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. We also provide a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the role and the team.