Supplier Quality Engineer

Location: Onsite (5 days per week) in Jackson, MN

Employment Type: 6 months; possibility to extend

Contract Compensation: up to $43hour W-2

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, LTD/STD, HSA/FSA, term life, supplemental health insurance options, and 401(k) for eligible employees.

This Supplier Quality Engineer I role focuses on preventing supplier-related defects from reaching production by strengthening incoming quality controls and driving corrective actions. Success is measured by timely containment of nonconformances, clear root-cause analysis, and sustained corrective actions that improve supplier performance and reduce repeat issues. You will use quality tools, documentation discipline, and strong coordination skills to move problems from detection to verified closure.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate incoming materials and supplier-delivered components against specifications, inspection plans, and engineering requirements.
• Investigate supplier nonconformances by gathering evidence, reviewing drawings/prints, and analyzing manufacturing and inspection data to define the true failure mode.
• Drive structured corrective action using methods such as 8D and root-cause analysis to ensure containment, corrective actions, and preventive actions are implemented and verified.
• Conduct supplier quality activities, including supplier assessments and audits as needed, and follow up on action items to closure.
• Apply defect-reduction and process-improvement tools such as FMEA, SPC, statistical analysis, and process capability to identify risk and recommend controls.
• Document nonconformances, inspection results, and corrective actions accurately within SAP and related quality/ERP systems to support traceability and reporting.
• Coordinate quality issue resolution across suppliers, production, engineering, and other stakeholders to prevent recurrence and maintain delivery flow.
• Support new product introduction and changes by reviewing quality requirements, aligning supplier controls, and validating readiness to meet specifications.
• Maintain compliance with quality system documentation practices aligned to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 expectations, including evidence-based records and standard work.

Required Skills:

• 2+ years of quality experience in a manufacturing environment, plus a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field, with practical understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on supplier quality experience assessing incoming materials or supplier nonconformances, performing supplier quality activities/audits, and driving corrective actions to prevent repeat defects.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings/prints to confirm part requirements and support investigations.
• Practical SAP experience supporting manufacturing or quality workflows, with general familiarity using ERP systems and quality management systems (QMS).
• Working knowledge of defect-reduction and continuous-improvement methods, including use of tools such as FMEA, SPC, 8D, statistical analysis, and/or process capability.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing quality systems and documentation/compliance practices, including standards such as ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Ability to independently coordinate quality problem-solving across production, suppliers, and partner teams, including support for NPI and/or field-quality investigations.

Preferred Skills:

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing certification.