Supplier Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub-systems for high-performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. With design, sales, and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini-Circuits' products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement, and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance, and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea, and aircraft; automotive systems, medical systems, and industrial test equipment. Mini-Circuits sells its products to over 20,000 customers globally through our direct sales force, applications engineering staff, and sales representatives, as well as through our extensive website.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Senior Manager of Supplier Quality, the Supplier Quality Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to drive best practices in supplier quality. The role's primary responsibilities will be to support the development and execution of supplier quality strategies, facilitate continuous improvement, and uphold Mini-Circuits' commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards across our global supply chain.

Salary range: $115,000-125,000

Job Function

• Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Supplier Quality to implement and execute the organization's supplier quality vision and strategy.
• Assist in driving best practices and a culture of quality across Mini-Circuits' global supply base.
• Work closely with suppliers to address (escalate, as needed) and resolve quality issues with a sense of urgency, including interim containments, root cause analysis, and RCCA implementation and verification.
• Conduct supplier audits and develop Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) to enhance supplier performance.
• Conduct supplier risk assessments, audits, and develop Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) to enhance supplier performance and mitigate/develop high-risk suppliers.
• Lead supplier onboarding, systems and product qualification processes, ensuring compliance with MCL quality management standards.
• Perform evaluations, audits of proposed new suppliers and periodic visits to existing suppliers as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Quality & Reliability, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Product Management) to align quality priorities and roadmaps.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of quality policies, procedures, standards, and controls.
• Interface with QA, MPE, Production, and Engineering in establishing consistent quality requirements
• Promote the use of APQP methods and tools (PPAP, First Article Inspection, D/PFMEA, 8D RCCA, 5-whys, Gage R&R, SPC Tools etc.) across supply base to drive consistency in quality processes and products.
• Ensure major suppliers have effective Quality Management Systems that meet our quality requirements.
• Promote awareness of applicable ISO and AS standards throughout Mini-Circuits' Supply Chain
• Perform pre-delivery inspections onsite at supplier facilities as required to ensure product conformance.
• Support and promote continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies within the supplier network.
• Monitor supplier performance using data analytics (DPPM, Supplier Scorecards) and report on key quality metrics to drive data-driven decisions.
• Maintain clear, effective, and regular communication at all levels within the organization.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the Supplier Quality budget, forecasts, and strategic initiatives to meet or exceed annual supplier quality objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, Science, Supply Chain, or a similar technical field; 2+ years' work experience in a supplier quality engineering or quality assurance role
• Proficiency in quality management concepts, tools, and methodologies.
• Strong working knowledge of Quality Management Systems
• Experience in resolving supplier quality issues and implementing effective supplier controls.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001, AS9100, or similar quality standards.
• Experience with PCB / Ferrite core manufacturing, metal parts stamping, & plastic injection molding a plus
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and global projects preferred
• Problem-solving, decision-making, and project management skills.
• Familiarity with Bill of Materials (BOM) and diverse manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean methodologies is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of local environmental, occupational health & safety regulations, & management systems a plus

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cultural Focus

• Displays enthusiasm and Passion for their work
• Works to the standard of Uncompromising Quality by meeting or exceeding stated objectives and embracing continuous improvement
• Exercises sound Business Judgement, ensuring that efforts are on track with the Company's goals
• Operates with the mindset of Customer Obsession – by meeting or exceeding expectations to both internal and external customers
• Takes Accountability by taking ownership and accepting responsibility for their conduct and contributions
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and accomplishes tasks with Speed and attention to detail
• Cooperates, collaborates and contributes to shared goals with a strong sense of Teamwork
• Conducts themselves with Honesty & Integrity and treats all members with Trust & Respect

Additional Requirements/Skills

• Comply, understand, and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment
• Ability and willingness to abide by Company's Code of Conduct
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive for extended periods of time
• Occasional travel, some overnight, as required

Disclaimer: The listed qualifications and requirements for each position are intended as guidelines. Mini-Circuits reserves the right to hire outside of these guidelines at Management's discretion. Mini-Circuits is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, gender identity, gender dysphoria, pregnancy-related condition, and domestic violence victim status or protected class characteristic, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal or state law.