Supplier Quality Engineer

About the role

Location: Alachua, Florida, USA (Greater Gainesville Area)

About the Role

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied products, materials, and services consistently meet company quality, delivery, and performance requirements. This role partners closely with Sourcing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to prevent defects, manage supplier risk, and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.

The SQE serves as the primary technical interface between the organization and its suppliers on all quality-related matters, including qualification, audits, corrective actions, process capability, and change management.

Supplier Qualification & Governance

• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and approval activities, including capability assessments and audits
• Define and deploy supplier quality requirements, standards, and expectations
• Ensure suppliers comply with ISO 9001 system requirements

Incoming & Supplier Quality Assurance

• Monitor supplier quality performance using KPIs such as PPM, defects, escapes, and audit findings
• Analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Support incoming inspection strategies and containment actions when required

Corrective Action & Problem Solving

• Lead supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), root cause analysis, and verification of effectiveness
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, DMAIC, A3, Fishbone, 5 Whys)
• Escalate chronic or systemic supplier issues through defined governance channels

Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with suppliers to improve process capability, yield, and consistency
• Drive supplier development plans focused on defect reduction, process stability, and cost of poor quality
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives

Engineering Change & Risk Management

• Participate in supplier-related engineering changes, including PPAP/APQP or equivalent validation activities
• Assess supplier readiness for new product introductions, changes, or transfers
• Identify and mitigate supplier quality and process risks

Cross - Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sourcing on supplier selection, performance reviews, and escalation decisions
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to resolve supplier-driven production issues
• Support internal and external audits as required

Job Candidate Requirements

• Ability to work in the U.S. on an indefinite basis without sponsorship
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related field
• 3-7+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or related roles
• Strong knowledge of quality systems, audits, and supplier management practices
• Hands-on experience with structured problem-solving and corrective action processes
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process documentation
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required.
• Ability to lift up to 50lb.

Preferred

• ASQ certifications (CSQP, CQE, CQA, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt)
• Working knowledge of:
• Gears and power transmission components
• Metallurgy, including material properties, heat treatment, and failure modes
• Welding processes, weld quality requirements, and inspection methods
• Surface coatings and paint systems, including preparation, application, and defect analysis.
• Knowledge of welding standards (AWS/ASME preferred)
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training.