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 …

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