Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) ensures that all external suppliers consistently meet AS9100, customer, and internal quality requirements. This role manages the Approved Supplier List, conducts onsite audits, develops quality codes for purchase orders, monitors supplier nonconformance trends, issues and verifies Corrective Action Requests (CARs), and partners closely with buyers, inspectors, and manufacturing teams to maintain robust supplier performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Supplier Qualification & Approval

Maintain and continuously update the Approved Supplier List in accordance with AS9100 requirements.

Conduct onsite supplier audits (quality system audits, process audits, special process audits).

Evaluate supplier capability for chromate conversion, prime & paint, heat treat, and low complexity machining/forming.

Review supplier certifications, NADCAP status (if applicable), and special process documentation.

Approve new suppliers and ensure proper onboarding, quality flow down, and documentation readiness.

Purchase Order Quality Flow Down

Collaborate with buyers to develop and maintain Quality Codes for purchase orders.

Ensure PO quality clauses correctly communicate

Special process requirements

• Material certifications
• Inspection requirements
• Source inspection triggers
• FAI/AS9102 requirements

Validate that suppliers understand and comply with all PO quality requirements.

Supplier Oversight & Performance Management

Provide quality oversight for struggling or high risk suppliers.

Monitor supplier performance using metrics such as

• Nonconformance rate
• On time delivery
• CAR closure effectiveness
• Audit findings

Lead supplier improvement plans and drive corrective/preventive actions.

Conduct regular supplier reviews and risk assessments.

Nonconformance & Corrective Action Management

Monitor supplier nonconformances identified at receiving inspection, source inspection, or during production.

Issue Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and ensure timely and effective closure.

Perform root cause analysis reviews and verify corrective action effectiveness.

Support MRB with supplier related technical data and disposition recommendations.

Source & Receiving Inspection Support

Accompany inspectors during source inspections at supplier facilities.

Oversee receiving inspection activities to ensure proper verification of supplier provided materials and processes.

Validate special process certifications, material test reports, and conformance documentation.

Ensure inspection plans align with supplier risk level and process complexity.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain supplier quality records, audit reports, CAR documentation, and performance metrics.

Ensure supplier compliance with AS9100, customer requirements, and internal quality procedures.

Support internal and external audits by providing supplier related documentation and evidence.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.