Supplier Quality Engineer – Metal Fabrication

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

📋 Description

• Evaluate and qualify suppliers for metal fabrication processes, which encompass welding, stamping, laser cutting, forming, and assembly.

• Perform supplier process audits to assess manufacturing controls, equipment capabilities, inspection methods, and quality systems.

• Analyze engineering drawings, GD&T, material specifications, and customer requirements to pinpoint critical dimensions, features, and functions.

• Inspect welded assemblies for dimensional precision, craftsmanship, weld discontinuities, and adherence to drawings and acceptance standards.

• Review stamping processes for dimensional uniformity, tooling condition, burr control, cracking, springback, and surface imperfections.

• Assess laser cutting processes for accuracy of cuts, edge quality, dross, distortion, and repeatability.

• Create and evaluate inspection plans, control plans, process flow diagrams, and PFMEAs.

• Assist in new product introductions, first article inspections, and PPAP submissions.

• Validate material composition, mechanical properties, traceability, and supporting material certifications.

• Evaluate requirements for paint, coatings, plating, and surface finishes, including appearance and thickness criteria.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions utilizing 8D, 5 Whys, and fishbone analysis methodologies.

• Collaborate with sourcing, engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to enhance quality, process capability, yield, and delivery performance.

• Monitor supplier performance and confirm the effectiveness of corrective actions and development plans.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be accepted.

• Minimum of three years of applicable experience in quality, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or supplier quality within the metal fabrication industry.

• Hands-on experience with welding inspection, metal stamping, and laser cutting.

• Competence in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, weld symbols, and technical specifications.

• Familiarity with dimensional inspection tools, including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).

• Knowledge of quality management systems, statistical process control (SPC), measurement system analysis (MSA), and process capability analysis.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and technical documentation capabilities.

• Ability to collaborate across functions and interact directly with suppliers to address manufacturing and quality challenges.

• Preferred certifications include Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma certification, or equivalent credentials.

• Experience with MIG, TIG, resistance, or robotic welding processes is preferred.

• Knowledge of relevant AWS welding codes and nondestructive testing methods is preferred.

• Background with large metal enclosures, cabinets, racks, chassis, or other intricate fabricated assemblies is preferred.

• Experience in leading supplier qualification, supplier development, and manufacturing readiness assessments is preferred.

• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, tooling and fixture validation, and design for manufacturability is preferred.

• Willingness to travel to supplier and manufacturing sites as business needs dictate.

🏝️ Benefits

• Performance-based short-term incentive.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Paid time off accrued at a rate of 3.07 hours during the first year of employment.

• Four weeks of paid parental leave.

• Eleven company-paid holidays in 2027 (nine fixed holidays and two optional floating holidays), subject to annual changes.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Employee stock purchase program.