Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer supports the Supplier Quality function by ensuring that supplier processes align with design intent and comply with internal quality requirements. This role focuses on ongoing supply chain verification, risk analysis, and continuous improvement of supplier processes and products to exceed established quality standards. The Supplier Quality Engineer works closely with purchasing and engineering teams to minimize risk, drive product conformance, and define process parameters and criteria that ensure supplier process capability meets product and process requirements.

Responsibilities

• Execute supplier quality functions, including advanced quality planning and continuous improvement activities across the supply base.

• Manage the supplier qualification process by reviewing and assessing qualification documents and performing on-site audits to evaluate supplier capabilities and capacity.

• Monitor and analyze supplier quality performance, driving measurable improvement in defined key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Improve new supplier introduction, qualification, technical evaluations, and approval processes to ensure robust onboarding and consistent quality.

• Evaluate and make recommendations on critical supplier selections, drive supplier continuous improvement initiatives, and approve supplier corrective actions.

• Perform risk analysis to define appropriate incoming inspection requirements and ensure effective control of supplied components.

• Support the implementation of quality system changes and enhancements to drive manufacturing efficiencies, meet shipment commitments, and enhance internal and external customer satisfaction.

• Promote and drive a “Right the First Time” mentality within the supply base to reduce defects and rework.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to review assembly specifications related to manufacturability and ensure supplier processes can meet design requirements.

• Participate in internal quality system audits to verify compliance and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Represent and encourage a continuous improvement culture within the manufacturing team and across the supply chain.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in supplier quality engineering.

• Practical, hands-on experience in supply chain development, including qualifying and developing suppliers.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or an equivalent engineering discipline.

• Strong supplier quality expertise, including supplier qualification, performance monitoring, and corrective action management.

• Proficiency in structured root cause analysis tools such as 8D, 5-Why, and Red X.

• Experience with evaluating and improving measurement systems to ensure accurate and reliable data.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical assembly drawings.

• Experience conducting supplier audits and assessing supplier capabilities and capacity.

• Familiarity with fabrication processes and components.

• Ability to work effectively with purchasing and engineering teams to define process parameters and criteria.

• Strong troubleshooting skills with a focus on continuous improvement and exceeding quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ASQ certification or equivalent quality-related certification.

• Experience with electrical switchgear components is preferred.

• Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing or supply chain environment.

• Experience in advanced quality planning and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Ability to perform risk analysis and define appropriate inspection and control plans.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing teams.

Work Environment

The Supplier Quality Engineer operates in a dynamic manufacturing and supply chain environment, working closely with engineering, purchasing, and production teams. The role involves a mix of office-based work for data analysis, documentation, and ERP system use, as well as time spent in manufacturing areas and at supplier facilities conducting audits, evaluations, and process reviews. The environment emphasizes continuous improvement, advanced quality planning, and a “Right the First Time” mindset, with a strong focus on meeting shipment commitments and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $53.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Durham,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.