Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Nebraska.

📋 Description

• Act as the primary Supplier Quality Engineer for designated commodities, suppliers, or regions that present a high level of complexity, risk, or strategic significance.

• Take ownership of and consistently enhance supplier-related components of the Quality Management System (QMS), encompassing standards, procedures, and governance.

• Conduct in-depth investigations into complex supplier nonconformance issues utilizing advanced problem-solving techniques and data analysis.

• Oversee the supplier corrective action (SCAR/CAPA) process from start to finish, including escalation, containment strategies, effectiveness verification, and communications with leadership.

• Organize, perform, and lead supplier audits for qualification, development, and ongoing performance management.

• Direct supplier selection, onboarding, and development initiatives, including assessments of quality system maturity and risk-based evaluations.

• Lead APQP and PPAP processes for new product launches and significant changes.

• Provide expert evaluation and approval of PFMEAs, control plans, SPC strategies, process capability data, gage R&R, and inspection plans.

• Collaborate with Engineering to impact product and process designs for manufacturability, reliability, and supplier capability.

• Conduct supplier risk assessments and formulate mitigation strategies.

• Develop, analyze, and present metrics and scorecards reflecting supplier performance.

• Champion initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of poor quality across the supplier base.

• Serve as a key quality representative in cross-functional and leadership discussions regarding sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and operational risks.

• Assist in internal, external, and customer audits; lead the resolution of supplier-related findings and systemic corrective actions.

• Mentor and provide technical support to Supplier Quality Engineers and cross-functional teams.

• Travel to supplier and company locations as necessary (typically more than 50%).

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with over 5 years of relevant experience or an Associate’s degree with more than 7 years of relevant experience, or a total of 9+ years of relevant experience.

• Significant experience in supplier quality engineering, quality engineering, or manufacturing quality with proven responsibility for complex supplier challenges.

• Comprehensive knowledge of quality management systems and supplier quality methodologies.

• Expert-level skills in structured problem-solving techniques (8D, A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and statistical analysis tools.

• Familiarity with industry and customer standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AISC, customer-specific requirements).

• Advanced capability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents.

• Profound working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, and metrology.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence outcomes without direct authority.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with executive-level presentations.

• Competence in Microsoft Office and familiarity with quality, SPC, and ERP systems.

• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred).

• Professional quality certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).

• Experience in leading supplier development programs and initiatives for long-term capability enhancement.

• Experience managing supplier quality for complex manufacturing processes, including metal fabrication, welding, coatings, or machined components.

• Experience working with global suppliers and across regional operations.

• Demonstrated mentoring or informal leadership experience within a quality organization.

🏝️ Benefits

• Healthcare coverage (medical, prescription drugs, dental, and vision).

• 401k retirement plan with employer matching.

• Paid time off.

• Life insurance paid for by the employer.

• Employer-covered short-term and long-term disability, including maternity leave.

• Work Life Support services.

• Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 annually.

• Voluntary programs such as tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, personalized health coaching, mortgage services, and more.