Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer plays a key role in improving supplier performance and ensuring uninterrupted production by driving quality, delivery, and capacity improvements at critical supplier sites. This position focuses on analyzing performance issues, implementing corrective actions, and leading supplier development initiatives in close collaboration with internal stakeholders across Procurement, Quality, and Operations.

• Visit key supplier sites regularly to analyze performance issues and identify root causes impacting quality, delivery, and capacity.
• Coordinate and implement improvement strategies at suppliers, including purchase order alignment, process enhancements, and quality system improvements.
• Expedite critical parts at critical suppliers to remove roadblocks and ensure zero disruption to the production line.
• Work with suppliers to establish clear back-to-purchase-order recovery plans through harmonized lines of balance and maintain daily follow-up to track progress.
• Align with key internal stakeholders to prepare a clear mandate for supplier interventions, regularly follow up on action items, and ensure a smooth handover once objectives are met.
• Identify supplier improvement opportunities and risk mitigation strategies at key supplier sites and manage the execution of these improvement activities.
• Drive the execution of supplier performance improvement plans and collaborate with internal and external partners to pursue sustainable solutions and close action plans.
• Work closely with Procurement, Quality, and Operations teams to create and maintain supplier development plans focused on quality, delivery, capacity, and process capability.
• Provide regular, structured feedback to all relevant stakeholders on supplier support progress, including status updates on corrective actions and performance metrics.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external groups, ensuring timely escalation of issues that may impact production or customer commitments.
• Conduct thorough onsite capacity and capability reviews at supplier facilities and establish clear action plans to address identified gaps.
• Coordinate personal work travel, including reservations, itineraries, follow-up, expense claims, and related financial reviews.
• Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize activities based on impact and urgency, and maintain momentum on supplier improvement initiatives.
• Apply strong ethical standards and a customer-focused mindset when making decisions and interacting with suppliers and internal teams.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a relevant field such as supplier quality, quality engineering, quality assurance, or operations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in manufacturing and production environments, including working with sub-tier suppliers.
• Strong expertise in supplier quality, quality control, quality assurance, and audit practices.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies to address complex supplier performance issues.
• Experience in project planning and coordination involving multiple sectors and stakeholders.
• Expert-level computer skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to work extremely independently and engage with new suppliers with minimal guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively prioritize work.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with internal and external partners.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.
• Readiness to travel up to 70% of the time to supplier locations.

• Knowledge of avionics, AC systems (hydraulic and fuel), and electronics.
• Experience supporting suppliers in industries such as aerospace and electronics.
• Operational and financial management knowledge is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of business relationships and dynamics between suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Customer-focused mindset with a strong sense of ethics.
• Experience conducting thorough capacity and capability reviews at supplier sites.
• Ability to provide clear, structured feedback and status reporting to stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills to manage travel logistics, expense claims, and related financial reviews.

This role is based onsite in the Quality Department and follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The position requires frequent travel, up to approximately 70% of the time, to supplier locations in regions such as Washington and Oregon. The work environment is highly collaborative, involving close interaction with Procurement, Quality, and Operations teams, as well as direct engagement with supplier personnel on manufacturing floors and in office settings. The role centers on hands-on review of supplier capacity and capability, active participation in problem-solving and improvement activities, and consistent communication with stakeholders to ensure production continuity and quality performance.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Yakima, WA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Yakima,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.