Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining supplier quality through robust processes, systems, and metrics while ensuring organizational processes comply with industry standards (e.g., AS9100) and customer requirements. The SQE drives supplier performance, fosters continuous improvement, and ensures compliance with GKN’s high standards for aerospace and defense applications. By collaborating with suppliers and internal teams, the SQE mitigates risks, resolves quality issues, and supports the delivery of exceptional products.

Job Responsibilities

• Supplier Management

  • Evaluate and Monitor Suppliers: Assess supplier performance to ensure compliance with GKN quality standards, specifications, and contractual requirements.
  • Supplier Audits: Develop and implement supplier audit plans to ensure compliance with AS9100, ASQR-01, ESA, and purchase order requirements.
  • Supplier Development: Develop partnerships with supplier quality and manufacturing organizations to spread AS9100, 6S, Lean, and continuous improvement.
  • Supplier Work Transfer: Participate in supplier work transfer evaluations to ensure seamless transitions.
  • Supplier Metrics: Review, implement, and maintain a supplier quality rating system and comprehensive supplier metrics in collaboration with procurement.
  • Supplier Onboarding: Support supplier onboarding, qualification, and development programs to enhance capabilities and performance.

  Quality Assurance

  • First Article Inspections (FAI): Assist in FAI reviews to ensure compliance with specifications.
  • Process Audits: Conduct supplier quality assessments and process audits to verify adherence to quality standards.
  • Documentation & Compliance: Ensure supplier documentation (e.g., certifications, test reports, quality records) meets industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001) and regulatory requirements, and is up-to-date and stored in the database.
  • Supplier Scorecard: Review, implement, and monitor enterprise-wide supplier scorecard reporting to track performance.

  Non-Conformance Resolution

  • Non-Conformance Handling: Lead investigations into supplier-related quality issues, including root cause analysis, containment, and corrective/preventive actions using tools such as 8D, 5-Why, or Fishbone diagrams.
  • Corrective Action Requests: Collaborate with suppliers to address corrective action requests and implement preventive measures, ensuring deadlines are met and actions are driven to closure.
  • Escape Management: Handle escapes, including root cause investigation, containment, and corrective actions.

  Continuous Improvement

  • Process Improvements: Partner with suppliers to implement lean methodologies and quality management systems to enhance product quality and reduce defects.
  • KPI Analysis: Investigate and analyze quality issues, non-conformities, and customer complaints using key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive corrective and preventive action plans.
  • Supplier Feedback: Provide actionable feedback to suppliers to improve performance and processes.

  Risk Management

  • Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain related to quality, delivery, and performance.
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Job Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience in quality, engineering, or manufacturing roles.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• MUST BE A U.S CITIZEN.
• Experience:
  • 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or a highly regulated industry.
  • Experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably in product qualification activities or inspection control.
  • Experience in supplier quality positions and conducting internal/external audits.
  • Proficiency in root cause analysis, 8D, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access) and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of quality management systems (AS9100, ISO 9001) and aerospace standards plus GD&T knowledge.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in quality tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, PPAP) and data analysis/reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab).
• Communication: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills to interact and persuade all levels of management, staff, hourly employees, and customers.
• Attributes: Organized, structured, target-oriented, and outgoing with strong interpersonal skills to work independently and in teams.

Desirable Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Involvement in New Product Introduction (NPI) and interaction between purchasing and engineering in product development.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the aerospace industry and associated regulatory requirements and standards.
• Certifications: Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• Software: Experience with statistical software and project management tools.