Supplier Quality Engineer

Position Summary:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that supplied materials and components meet company quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role partners closely with suppliers, engineering, manufacturing, and procurement teams to drive supplier performance, maintain Quality Management System (QMS) compliance, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

Responsibilities

Evaluate, qualify, and monitor suppliers to ensure compliance with company and industry quality standards. Conduct supplier audits (on-site and remote) to assess QMS effectiveness and identify risks. Drive supplier corrective and preventive actions (SCAR/CAPA) and verify effectiveness. Collaborate with suppliers on root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and FMEA. Support new product introduction (NPI) by ensuring supplier readiness and PPAP/APQP documentation. Review and approve supplier quality documentation including control plans, inspection plans, and process flow diagrams. Analyze supplier performance metrics and develop improvement plans. Partner with procurement and engineering teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues. Ensure compliance with relevant standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS9100, or IATF 16949 (as applicable). Participate in internal audits and maintain documentation aligned with the organization’s QMS. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, improve yield, and optimize supplier processes. Provide technical guidance and training to suppliers on quality requirements and best practices.