Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

**Job Overview** We are seeking an experienced **Senior Supplier Quality Engineer** to lead supplier quality improvement initiatives across a network of manufacturing suppliers. This position will work directly with suppliers to identify quality issues, conduct root cause investigations, implement corrective actions, and drive measurable improvements in supplier performance. A major focus of this role will be **reducing defects per million parts (DPPM), with a goal of achieving improvements of up to 50% within targeted supplier operations**. This is a highly supplier-facing position requiring **up to 75% travel, primarily to supplier locations throughout the East Coast**. Candidates should be comfortable spending significant time onsite with suppliers, evaluating manufacturing and inspection processes, resolving quality issues, and driving corrective actions. **Key Responsibilities** * Lead supplier quality and supplier development initiatives focused on improving product quality, manufacturing performance, and overall supplier capability. * Drive measurable reductions in **Defects Per Million (DPPM)**, targeting improvements of **up to 50%** for identified suppliers and product lines. * Travel directly to supplier manufacturing facilities to investigate quality concerns, evaluate processes, and implement improvement plans. * Conduct **root cause investigations** and lead corrective/preventive action activities to eliminate repeat defects. * Review supplier nonconformances and ensure issues are resolved before they result in customer impact or production disruptions. * Evaluate supplier manufacturing, inspection, and quality-control processes. * Interpret **engineering drawings, technical specifications, GD&T, schematics, and other technical documentation** to establish appropriate inspection and acceptance criteria. * Partner with suppliers to develop sustainable corrective actions that address underlying process and manufacturing issues. * Perform and support supplier audits, inspections, and quality assessments. * Analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, recurring defects, and opportunities for improvement. * Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies such as **8D, A3, Root Cause Analysis, Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, PFMEA, and Control Plans**. * Develop clear reports, presentations, and supplier performance updates for leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. * Create and deliver professional **PowerPoint presentations** communicating quality findings, corrective actions, supplier performance, and improvement plans. * Use **Microsoft Excel** to analyze quality data, track performance metrics, create reports, develop graphs, and monitor improvement initiatives. * Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and supplier leadership. * Serve as a quality leader and change agent capable of influencing suppliers and driving accountability. * Lead supplier qualification processes, including APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), and Gage R&R studies to ensure supplier readiness for production. * Conduct comprehensive root cause analysis and defect resolution investigations to identify systemic issues and implement corrective actions. * Perform statistical data analysis using tools like Minitab to monitor quality performance metrics, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making. * Manage supplier audits, assessments, and vendor quality assurance programs in compliance with standards such as AS9100, ISO 13485, IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001, and FDA regulations where applicable. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams including process engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing to develop robust quality control plans and improve manufacturing processes through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. * Ensure adherence to regulatory/legal compliance standards in production environments by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations such as CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices). * Support continuous improvement initiatives by implementing quality management systems aligned with industry standards like ISO 9001 and AS9100, fostering a culture of quality excellence. **Qualifications** * **10+ years of related Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Supplier Development, Manufacturing Quality, or similar engineering experience.** * Bachelor's degree in **Mechanical Engineering strongly preferred**; other relevant engineering disciplines may be considered. * Strong experience working directly with manufacturing suppliers and driving supplier performance improvements. * Demonstrated ability to lead **root cause investigations and corrective action programs**. * Strong ability to read and interpret **technical drawings, assembly drawings, GD&T, engineering specifications, schematics, and inspection requirements**. * Experience with manufacturing processes, receiving inspection, component measurement, First Article Inspection, and quality systems. * Strong proficiency with **Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint**, including data analysis, graphs, formulas, reporting, and executive-level presentations. * Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with supplier leadership, engineering teams, operations, and senior management. * Demonstrated **leadership, influencing, conflict-resolution, and supplier-management skills**. * Ability to independently manage multiple suppliers, projects, quality issues, and priorities simultaneously. * Experience with **8D, A3, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, PFMEA, Control Plans, and/or DMAIC** preferred. * **ASQ certification such as CQE or CQA is a plus.** * Aerospace or similarly regulated manufacturing experience is beneficial but **not required**. Travel Requirements — Important **This position requires up to 75% travel, with the majority of travel expected to be to supplier locations throughout the East Coast.** Candidates must be comfortable working onsite at supplier manufacturing facilities for extended periods and traveling as business and supplier-quality needs require. Some travel may occur on relatively short notice. **What Success Looks Like** Success in this position will be measured by the engineer's ability to: * Achieve significant and measurable supplier quality improvements, including **up to a 50% improvement in DPPM performance**. * Reduce repeat supplier defects and nonconformances. * Identify true root causes rather than temporary containment solutions. * Implement sustainable corrective actions that prevent recurrence. * Build productive relationships with supplier engineering, quality, manufacturing, and leadership teams. * Clearly communicate quality performance and improvement plans through **data, Excel reporting, and PowerPoint presentations**. * Independently lead challenging supplier-quality situations while maintaining strong working relationships. **Ideal Candidate:** An experienced, hands-on Supplier Quality Engineer who is equally comfortable reviewing a technical drawing, walking a supplier's manufacturing floor, leading a root-cause investigation, analyzing quality data in Excel, and presenting an improvement plan to leadership. Pay: $107,800.00 - $131,300.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * Health insurance * Paid time off Work Location: On the road