Supplier Quality Engineer

Description
Oversee supplier quality operations across all manufacturing locations, including incoming material verification, defect containment activities, and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Provide technical guidance and root-cause support to address supplier-related quality concerns and drive timely resolution.
Ensure externally sourced materials and components consistently meet engineering, quality, and contractual requirements.
Collaborate with Procurement, Receiving, Inventory Control, and Quality teams to review and disposition incoming materials used in production.
Coordinate communication of inspection findings and disposition decisions with cross-functional stakeholders.
Support nonconforming material management processes, including containment, segregation, defect investigations, and supplier performance trend monitoring.
Initiate, track, and close supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) while validating the effectiveness and sustainability of implemented solutions.
Assist with customer-driven corrective action responses by contributing to failure investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action documentation related to supplier-provided components.
Assess, approve, and onboard new suppliers through qualification and evaluation processes.
Conduct supplier assessments and quality system audits at supplier facilities as required.
Establish supplier development strategies to improve quality, delivery, and overall performance while aligning with organizational objectives.
Review supplier-driven engineering or process changes, evaluate impact to existing products, and coordinate internal approval activities when changes are proposed.
Partner directly with suppliers to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and strengthen manufacturing and quality system capabilities.
Deliver supplier training on quality standards, investigation methodologies, product requirements, and continuous improvement practices.
Develop, maintain, and analyze supplier performance metrics, scorecards, and reporting tools to support ongoing supplier management and decision-making.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Strong ability to interpret detailed engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications, including advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts and verification of critical product characteristics.
Hands-on experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities within a manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of structured problem-solving and corrective action methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Corrective Action Requests (CAR), and other continuous improvement frameworks.
Demonstrated leadership capabilities with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, build strong relationships, and support team development efforts.
Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS), including standards such as ISO 9001, and experience applying quality requirements to inspection, verification, and process control activities.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and collaboration platforms, including Excel, Word, SharePoint, and related business tools.
Previous experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or quality engineering environments with knowledge of quality systems, production processes, statistical analysis techniques, and project execution principles strongly preferred.
Background in engineering, manufacturing, machining, fabrication, or industrial operations preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Business, Manufacturing, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent industry experience may also be considered.
Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement initiatives, with exposure to methodologies such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar process improvement programs.
Ability to analyze performance data, identify process inefficiencies, and implement sustainable quality improvements across internal and supplier operations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Lakeville, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/yr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Lakeville,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.



San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.