Supplier Quality Technician

Supplier Quality Technician Location: Spring Lake, MI (Travel Required) Department: Supply Chain Reports To: Director, Strategic Sourcing & Development About EQI EQI is fluent in doing business around the world, so our customers don’t have to be. EQI sources metal castings, forgings, and fabrications from carefully selected suppliers around the globe. EQI manages every aspect of the product life-cycle -- from Product Development to Production Qualification to Logistics / Vendor Managed Inventory Services -- letting its customers choose specific services and locations to meet their specific needs. The metal components we specialize in are sourced from more than two dozen carefully selected manufacturers across China, India, Vietnam and the North America. By diversifying our supply base across several manufacturers and regions and offering redundant tooling locations, EQI mitigates risks and maximizes the flexibility to shift production from one location to another. EQI ships to and from multiple ports around the world, supporting our customers with full vendor-managed inventory services at the end location. Essential Functions Supplier Quality Assurance & Management Perform product inspections and review quality documentation, including dimensional reports, certifications, and inspection records, to verify conformance to drawings and customer requirements. Conduct segregation, inspection, containment, and physical rework activities as necessary to ensure delivery of conforming products to customers. Assist with First Article Inspections (FAI), PPAP submissions, process validations, supplier qualification activities, audits, and ongoing supplier performance evaluations. Partner with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and quality controls to reduce defects and enhance product quality. Nonconformance Management & Continuous Improvement Investigate supplier quality issues and perform root cause analysis utilizing methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and 8D problem solving. Coordinate Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), ensuring timely implementation, verification, and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to improve process capability, reduce variation, and prevent recurring quality issues. Collaboration & Reporting Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Manufacturing, customers, and suppliers to support quality objectives and resolve issues affecting production or customer satisfaction. Maintain supplier quality records, audit reports, corrective actions, and performance metrics in accordance with quality management system requirements. Prepare and communicate supplier quality performance reports, trends, risks, and improvement opportunities to management and stakeholders. Support new product launches, supplier onboarding activities, and customer, internal, or supplier audits. Perform other duties as assigned by the EQI Management Team. Position Requirements The individual must be able to: Travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico up to 40-60% of the time for supplier audits, quality investigations, process reviews, supplier development activities, and customer support. Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, tolerancing, and quality requirements. Work in manufacturing and industrial environments, including standing, walking, inspecting processes, and evaluating products for extended periods. Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally. Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Manage multiple priorities and deadlines with strong organizational and documentation skills. Preferred Qualifications Associate degree in Qua…

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