Supplier Quality Engineer III

Epitec, Inc

Portland, OR

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$46–$49.50 Per Hour
SKILLS
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Auditing, Automotive Manufacturing, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corporate Compliance, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Engineering, ISO 14001, Industry Standards, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Mentoring, Multitasking, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Organizational Skills, Passport Requirements, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Performance Reviews, Problem Solving Skills, Process Capability, Product Programs, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Production Systems, Purchasing/Procurement, Quality Engineering, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Root Cause Analysis, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain, Vendor/Supplier Evaluation, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Portland, OR
POSTED
5 days ago
Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer

Location: Portland OR, Hybrid

Job Type: Full Time, Contract

Expected hours per week: 40

Schedule: 7am-4pm, Mon-Fri, Onsite 4 days per week, Remote 1 Day.

Pay: $46.00-$49.50/hr

Travel: Frequent Domestic & Occasional International Travel Required

Job Description:
About the Role
We are seeking a Supplier Quality Analyst to support supplier quality, delivery, and operational performance across our manufacturing supply base. This role serves as the primary liaison between suppliers and internal cross-functional teams to ensure suppliers consistently meet expectations for quality, delivery, capacity, and compliance.
The ideal candidate has a background in Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supplier Quality, or Supply Chain, enjoys solving complex supplier challenges, and thrives in a fast-paced environment that combines strategic supplier development with hands-on problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead supplier quality and delivery improvement initiatives to support successful product launches and ongoing production.
  • Drive APQP and PPAP activities to ensure supplier readiness and compliance.
  • Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and performance reviews to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
  • Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, capabilities, capacity constraints, and quality systems.
  • Lead corrective and preventive action activities using root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Monitor supplier KPIs and develop action plans to improve quality, delivery, and operational performance.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to resolve supplier-related issues.
  • Facilitate supplier development programs, continuous improvement workshops, and escalation management activities.
  • Ensure compliance with company requirements and industry quality standards.
  • Provide supplier performance reporting and support organizational knowledge sharing through coaching and mentorship.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
  • 5–7 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related function.
  • Strong experience with APQP and PPAP processes.
  • Manufacturing or quality engineering experience within a production environment.
  • Working knowledge of quality management systems, including:
    • IATF 16949
    • ISO 14001
    • VDA 6.3
  • Experience leading supplier corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with supplier audits and supplier development programs.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
  • Experience with risk management, KPI reporting, and operational excellence initiatives.
  • Automotive, heavy manufacturing, or OEM supplier quality experience preferred.
Typical Day
In this role, you may be:
  • Responding to a critical supplier quality issue.
  • Reviewing supplier performance metrics and corrective actions.
  • Preparing for or conducting supplier site visits.
  • Assessing supplier certifications and compliance requirements.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams on production or launch-related challenges.
  • Supporting long-term supplier development strategies and risk mitigation efforts.
Travel Requirements
  • Domestic travel is required at least once per month.
  • International travel may be required based on business needs.
  • Travel can occur on short notice and may occasionally include weekends or holidays.
  • Valid U.S. Passport required.
Why Join Us?
  • High-visibility role supporting a global manufacturing organization.
  • Opportunity to directly impact supplier performance and production stability.
  • Extensive cross-functional exposure across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement.
  • Dynamic work environment with significant opportunities for professional growth and development.
If you enjoy solving complex problems, building supplier partnerships, and driving continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you.

Benefits: 80 hours paid time off, and medical insurance contributions, dental vision and our 401k retirement savings plan

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About the Company

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Epitec, Inc

Epitec is a leading staffing and recruiting services company with a mission to make staffing personal. We go beyond traditional hiring by truly understanding our candidates and matching them with the perfect opportunities. We offer competitive compensation, career growth, and support throughout the entire process. Working with top Fortune 500 companies, we are recognized for our excellence with numerous awards, including Best & Brightest and diversity recognitions. At Epitec, we're redefining the future of employment. 

COMPANY SIZE
2,500 to 4,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Professional Development, 401K, Employee Referral Program, Life Insurance
FOUNDED
1978
WEBSITE
https://epitec.com/