Quality Engineer – Supplier Management

Job Title: Quality Engineer – Supplier Management Location: Rutherford, NJ Experience: 3–5 years Duration: 12+ month contract Work Environment: Manufacturing

Overview

This role centers on building and maintaining a strong Supplier Quality Program that keeps production reliable, cost-efficient, and ready for growth. You’ll work closely with global suppliers and partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Continuous Improvement teams to strengthen supplier performance, support new product introduction, and maintain high manufacturing standards. The position suits someone who likes solving problems with data, driving consistent process discipline, and improving supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all activities within the Supplier Quality Process

Develop and implement a Supplier Quality Program, including KPIs and supplier scorecards

Partner with Commodity Managers to improve supplier performance and provide technical support

Own the Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) process, ensuring timely actions and closure

Work with suppliers on root cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification

Oversee supplier approval for parts quality, process capability, and overall readiness

Plan, organize, and conduct supplier audits

Manage the Material Review Board (MRB) process

Track and improve metrics related to Receiving Inspection and Layout Inspection

Work directly with suppliers to resolve non-conformances and quality concerns

Develop and refine processes tied to supplier quality and change approval

Review and approve supplier-driven engineering or process changes

Performance Measures

Sustained improvements in supplier quality

Reduction in non-conformances

Faster closure of corrective actions

Lower inspection time and defect rates

Qualifications

• Background in manufacturing or industrial environments

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Commitment to continuous improvement and process discipline

• Proficiency with statistical methods for reducing variation

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset

• Familiarity with ERP systems (Oracle JD Edwards preferred) and MS Office

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

• Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field

• 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a focus on Quality

• Hands-on experience managing or developing Supplier Quality Programs or Supplier Development

• Working knowledge of GD&T

• Six Sigma training preferred

• ASQ-Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a plus