Supplier Quality Engineer
Location: Dayton, OH
Our client is dedicated to providing the highest quality of services to our clients and employees. We are proud to be the primary partner to top companies in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries. As a result of our continued growth, we are looking for energetic and personable professionals to join our team.
Position Summary:
Our client is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Supplier Quality Engineer to uphold and continuously improve quality standards across our manufacturing and production processes. The role will focus on ensuring compliance with client requirements, managing non-conformances, driving process improvements, and optimizing product integrity. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering teams, suppliers, and clients to resolve quality issues, implement corrective actions, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This is a technical position that requires strong analytical skills, experience in quality management system adherence, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives across various teams and processes.
Responsibilities
- Support Component Inspections: Plan and support thorough inspections of components and assemblies throughout the manufacturing process to ensure compliance with engineering specifications, client requirements, and industry standards. Oversee First Article Inspections (FAIs) and review First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) to ensure all products meet the required quality criteria before mass production.
- Non-Conformance Management: Support, investigate, analyze, and resolve non-conforming materials or components, collaborating with engineering teams to determine appropriate dispositions and corrective actions. Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities to ensure proper identification, documentation, and resolution of supplier non-conformances.
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Support and conduct in-depth root cause analysis for recurring quality issues, process deviations, and defects. Develop and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address the root cause, ensuring that defects do not reoccur in the production process.
- Continuous Process Improvement: Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance product quality, reduce waste, improve delivery performance, and optimize production costs. Use Lean Six Sigma principles to implement process optimization initiatives and work with cross-functional teams to execute improvement projects.
- Data Analysis & Trend Monitoring: Monitor and analyze quality trends, performance metrics, and production data to identify areas of concern. Utilize statistical tools such as Statistical Process Control (SPC) and other data analysis methods to track performance, forecast potential issues, and proactively address quality concerns.
- Supplier Quality Management: Collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure the quality of incoming materials and components. Provide guidance to suppliers on meeting client-specific requirements and performance standards. Perform supplier audits when necessary and support the resolution of supplier-related quality issues.
- Technical Support & Guidance: Provide technical guidance and expertise to internal teams, suppliers, and customers. Provide insight on quality processes, inspections, and materials management. Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, and client procedures to ensure that the products being manufactured meet both internal and external requirements.
- Inspection Tools & Measurement Techniques: Provide guidance to suppliers on maintaining a variety of precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, verniers, and pie tapes to ensure the accuracy of measurements and product specifications. Ensure all tools are calibrated regularly and maintained according to industry standards.
- Compliance with Standards & Regulations: Ensure supplier compliance with industry-specific standards, including ISO, MIL-STD, and other relevant regulatory frameworks. Stay up-to-date with changes in regulations and quality standards, ensuring that all processes adhere to these guidelines.
- Documentation of Quality Activities: Maintain comprehensive and accurate documentation of quality activities, including inspections, non-conformances, corrective actions, and improvement initiatives. Prepare quality reports and documentation for internal use, audits, and client reviews.
- Quality Metrics & KPIs: Support, track, and report on quality metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). These metrics could include defect rates, yield rates, first pass yield (FPY), and rework costs. Regularly present findings to management and recommend actions to improve performance.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, procurement, and supply chain to resolve quality issues and improve processes. Actively participate in product development, design reviews, and continuous improvement efforts, ensuring that quality is built into products from the start.
- Client Communication & Feedback Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding quality-related concerns. Communicate effectively with customers to resolve complaints, identify root causes, and ensure customer satisfaction. Ensure that customer feedback is integrated into process improvements.
- Client Audits & Reviews: Support or lead client quality audits and participate in customer review meetings. Ensure that all quality-related aspects of products are thoroughly documented and compliant with contractual and regulatory requirements.
Basic Qualifications
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalent experience in quality engineering may also be considered.
- Experience: 2+ years of experience in quality engineering or a related field, particularly within manufacturing or production environments. Experience in working with precision measurement tools, performing FAIs, establishing manufacturing control plans, and managing non-conformances.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, and client procedures. Strong knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and inspection techniques.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Strong root cause analysis (RCA) skills with the ability to identify, address, and resolve complex quality issues. Ability to develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and interpret quality data, recognize patterns, and drive continuous improvement using data-driven approaches such as SPC, Pareto analysis, and trend analysis.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical information and collaborate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and clients.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications: Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, or Lean Manufacturing certification are highly preferred.
- Industry-Specific Knowledge: Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, MIL-STD, or other industry standards relevant to quality engineering in manufacturing.
- Experience with Client-Specific Requirements: Experience in working directly with customers, particularly in aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated industries, where client-specific quality standards must be met.
Competencies & Skills:
- Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail is crucial for inspecting products and ensuring quality compliance. The ability to detect subtle defects or deviations is essential.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with teams from various functions (engineering, manufacturing, procurement, etc.) to resolve quality issues and implement improvements.
- Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Capable of adjusting to changing priorities and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Leadership: Ability to take initiative, lead quality improvement projects, and influence teams across various functions to implement solutions.
