Supplier Quality Specialist

Location: Onsite in Ansonia, CT. Only candidates residing in or near Ansonia, CT will be considered. Relocation assistance is not offered. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future. Supplier Quality Specialist A role focused on ensuring that purchased materials, off-the-shelf components, and outsourced services meet the company’s quality, technical, and regulatory requirements. The position is critical in preventing supplier‑related defects, minimizing manufacturing disruptions, and supporting continuous improvement across the supply chain. Job Overview The SQE partners closely with Suppliers, Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to manage supplier qualification, audits, performance monitoring, and corrective actions. Through data‑driven analysis and structured problem‑solving, the SQE protects product integrity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities Supplier Quality Management Lead supplier qualification, approval, and requalification processes for new and existing suppliers. Conduct onsite and virtual supplier audits to assess compliance with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF, AS standards as applicable). Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, controls, and risk levels. Incoming Quality & Process Control Define and implement incoming inspection plans and acceptance criteria for supplier‑provided materials and components. Review engineering drawings, specifications, and change notices to ensure supplier alignment. Support PPAP, FAI, or equivalent supplier validation activities as required. Lead investigations of supplier‑related nonconformances and defects. Issue Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) for nonconformances. Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness to prevent recurrence. Supplier Performance & Continuous Improvement Monitor supplier performance using KPIs such as DPPM, PPM, on‑time delivery, and corrective action responsiveness. Maintain supplier scorecards and performance dashboards. Collaborate with suppliers on continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, capability, and reliability. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Act as the primary quality liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders (Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Management). Communicate quality expectations, technical requirements, and engineering changes to suppliers. Participate in internal reviews, MRB discussions, and quality improvement projects. Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate supplier quality documentation, audit reports, corrective action records, and performance data. Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements. Support internal and external audits related to supplier quality. Other Duties as Assigned Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and meet operational priorities. Specific Skill Set Communication : Clear and professional communication with suppliers, internal teams, and leadership. Strong negotiation and influence skills to drive supplier accountability and improvement. Presentation : Ability to prepare and present supplier performance reviews, audit findings, and quality metrics to management. Comfortable presenting data‑driven insights and improvement plans to cross‑functional and executive audiences. Systems : Proficiency in quality management systems (QMS), ERP/MRP systems, and supplier portals. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data‑tracking tools. Analytics : Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret quality data, trends, and performance metrics. Structured problem‑solving mindset with a focus on root cause elimination rather than containment. Exposure : Experience working in a manufacturing environment (e.g., plastics, machining, electronics, tooling, or assembly). Exposure to supplier audits, vendor management, and cross‑functional manufacturing operations. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred. Experience working with domestic and/or international suppliers is a plus. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Quality, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or related field. 3–5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality. Hands‑on experience with supplier audits, defect resolution, and quality performance management. Work Environment The work environment is usually in an office within a manufacturing facility with low to moderate noise level. Employees are expected to work well with others, both one on one and remote via video and phone, and independently. Equal Opportunity Employer Westfall Technik is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religious creed, physical disability, mental disability, age for individuals age 40 and over, medical condition (as defined by state law (for example, cancer or genetic characteristics or HIV/AIDS)), marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr