Supplier Quality Engineer

Our client, a highly successful and growing manufacturing organization in the Muskegon, Michigan area, is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to join their team on a 6+ month contract assignment with strong potential for direct hire. This is an excellent opportunity for a quality-driven professional who enjoys working cross-functionally, building supplier relationships, and driving continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.  This role plays a critical part in ensuring supplier quality performance, compliance, and process improvement initiatives across the supply chain. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of supplier quality systems, root cause analysis, manufacturing processes, and industry quality standards. Our client offers competitive compensation, a collaborative team environment, and a company culture that values innovation, accountability, and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Perform supplier evaluation, selection, development, and qualification activities as part of the Source Selection team
• Review and process Purchase Orders, ensuring appropriate quality requirements are applied per contractual obligations
• Conduct onsite supplier source inspections, including witnessing First Article Inspections (FAI) and required testing activities
• Review supplier-provided First Article Inspection reports for accuracy and compliance to specifications and requirements
• Conduct supplier surveys, audits, and assessments to evaluate supplier Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• Support third-party evaluations related to ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and related standards
• Monitor supplier capability and performance through supplier scorecards, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide guidance and support to suppliers related to corrective actions, preventive actions, and root cause analysis activities
• Assist suppliers in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, standards, and contractual requirements
• Lead resolution efforts for nonconforming material through the Material Review Board (MRB) process
• Prepare supplier performance reports, quality metrics, and presentations for leadership and cross-functional teams
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure supplier compliance and product quality
• Support additional Quality Assurance initiatives and projects as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Quality Management, Engineering, or a related technical field
• 0-8+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, or related areas
• Strong understanding of Quality Core Tools including:
  • Process Flow Diagrams
  • FMEA
  • Control Plans
  • MSA/Gage Capability
  • SPC/Process Capability
  • Error Proofing/Poka-Yoke
• Experience working within ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems or comparable industry standards
• Knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements or similar industry standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills utilizing methodologies such as:
  • 8D
  • 5 Why
  • Fishbone/Ishikawa
  • Root Cause Analysis
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations or technical production environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 50%
• Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing plant environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Quality Management, Engineering, or related field
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management Systems for Aviation, Space, and Defense organizations
• Knowledge of AS9145 APQP and PPAP requirements
• Experience supporting aerospace or defense manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with steel and aluminum alloy castings, forgings, and finish machining processes
• Experience working with complex assembly operations

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Supplier Quality Engineer
• Supplier Quality Specialist
• Quality Engineer
• Supplier Development Engineer
• Manufacturing Quality Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Supplier Performance Engineer