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.

Qualifications

EDUCATION 

Associate degree in Inspection, Manufacturing, Quality Technology and/or a minimum of 2 years of inspection experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Direct experience as a Quality Engineer may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

Technical Skills

Strong understanding of AS9100 and aerospace quality system requirements.  

Knowledge of special processes: chromate conversion, prime/paint, heat treat.  

Familiarity with GD&T, basic machining, and forming processes.  

Experience with supplier audits, process validation, and quality system assessments.  

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and PO quality clauses.

Preferred working experience with Epicor ERP software.

Soft Skills

Strong communication and negotiation skills for supplier interactions.  

Ability to work cross functionally with buyers, inspectors, and engineering teams.  

Analytical mindset for trend analysis and root cause evaluation.  

Comfortable traveling to supplier sites (10 to 20% typical).

Performance Indicators

Reduction in supplier nonconformances  

Timely and effective CAR closures  

Supplier audit scores and improvement trends  

Accuracy and clarity of PO quality codes  

Supplier on time delivery and conformance rates  

Internal audit readiness and compliance