Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer is a hands‑on position responsible for ensuring that purchased materials, components, and outsourced processes from key Knox suppliers meet quality, regulatory, and customer requirements within our ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. This position works directly with suppliers to qualify new sources, resolve nonconformances, drive continuous improvement, and interact closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations. Specific responsibilities may include: Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements, specifications, and control plans for Knox commodities. Lead and participate in supplier PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) submissions and approvals, ensuring conformance to IATF 16949 or AS9100 requirements as applicable. Conduct on‑site supplier audits and process assessments to evaluate process capability, quality systems, and corrective action effectiveness. Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities (8D, 5‑Why, fishbone) for supplier-related nonconformances. Review and approve supplier FMEAs, control plans, and inspection/test plans. Issue, coordinate, and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) through closure. Support new supplier qualifications, including capability studies, first article inspection, and process validation. Monitor supplier performance metrics (PPM, on‑time delivery, corrective action responsiveness) and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, and Engineering on sourcing decisions, engineering changes, and supplier risk assessments. Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of nonconforming supplier material. Provide training and guidance to suppliers on quality requirements, inspection methods, and problem‑solving tools. Travel to supplier and customer sites as required to support audits, launches, and issue resolution. Support and participate in the organization’s Continual Improvement Program to conform to ISO 9001:2015 requirements by complying with the Quality Policy and procedures and meeting QMS objectives. Understand the implications of not conforming to QMS requirements. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related field) from a four‑year college or university. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Seven (7) to ten (10+) years of supplier quality engineering experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, medical device, industrial manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries. Demonstrated experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and SPC in a supplier‑facing role. Direct experience with sheet metal, stamping, die casting, adhesive bonding, and coating/finishing processes strongly preferred. Experience supporting domestic and international supplier networks. Experience with contract manufacturers and outsourced processes. Strong knowledge of and experience working in an ISO 9001:2015 certified environment.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Quality‑oriented with a hands‑on, supplier‑facing personality. Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and ability to apply them in a supplier development setting. Knowledge of sheet metal, stamping, die casting, adhesive, and coating/plating manufacturing processes, procedures, and equipment. Strong knowledge of identifying defects, root cause analysis, and corrective action methodologies (8D, 5‑Why, fishbone). Strong knowledge of metrology, inspection techniques, and GD&T interpretation. Strong knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and process capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk). Ability to effectively use production and quality software (ERP/MRP, SPC, PPAP/FMEA tools). Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically with suppliers, customers, and internal cross‑functional teams. Ability to influence supplier performance and drive improvements without direct authority. Strong computer skills (create forms, document issues, prepare reports). Ability to work independently while adhering to department operating rules and guidelines. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks and activities across multiple suppliers and projects. Ability to present technical information to both technical and non‑technical audiences. Intermediate skills with MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Outlook. Strong CAD and GD&T skills preferred. Desire and ability to work in a team‑oriented environment. Ability to successfully complete projects within agreed‑upon deadlines. Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 50% of the time).

ABILITIES

Detail‑oriented. Produces error‑free work. Deadline‑oriented. Self‑starter who thinks of innovative, faster ways to accomplish tasks. Works with minimal supervision. Consistently maintains a professional demeanor and appearance. Demonstrates a positive attitude and sets an example for other employees. Consistently punctual and reliable. Consistently demonstrates honesty and a high degree of integrity. Flexible and able to adapt to our dynamic environment.

PHYSICAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations are made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Sitting for extended periods with occasional bending, standing, and walking; 8–10 hour workdays. Frequent use of hands to handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Able to lift 20 lbs. Must comply with any safety or PPE requirements. Able to be present at the facility, in both an office and manufacturing environment, in order to interact with other employees and to have access to materials and equipment to perform the essential functions of the position.The noise level is moderate, typically below 85 decibels (dBA). Exposure to production environment. There is minimal exposure to other environmental hazards. #J-18808-Ljbffr Knox Company