Supplier Quality Professional

Please note: At this time, we are not able to offer immigration sponsorship for new hires. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship. Position Summary The Supplier Quality Professional (SQA) is responsible for ensuring that suppliers consistently meet the company's quality, product safety, and performance requirements. This role manages supplier qualification, auditing, quality planning, and continuous improvement activities across the supply base. Acting as a key interface between suppliers, Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations, the Supplier Quality Engineer drives supplier development initiatives, supports complaint management, and ensures compliance with quality standards throughout the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and document system, process, and quality audits at supplier locations to verify compliance with company requirements and applicable industry standards.
• Define semi-finished product quality specifications, technical requirements, and qualification criteria in close cooperation with Purchasing, Engineering, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Evaluate, qualify, and approve new and existing suppliers based on quality, manufacturing capabilities, process stability, and overall performance.
• Develop and implement quality planning activities for semi-finished products, including inspection plans, approval processes, and supplier validation procedures.
• Conduct supplier workshops, training sessions, and development programs to improve supplier performance and quality standards.
• Monitor supplier quality, product safety, delivery performance, and process capability through defined KPIs and quality metrics.
• Drive supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality performance and reduce quality risks.
• Initiate and manage escalation processes for suppliers when quality targets, compliance requirements, or performance expectations are not achieved.
• Provide technical guidance and consultation to suppliers regarding product quality requirements, manufacturing processes, and semi-product design considerations.
• Support supplier-related complaint management activities, including root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and effectiveness verification.
• Collaborate closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to resolve supplier quality issues and prevent recurrence.
• Lead and facilitate problem-solving activities using quality tools such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, SPC, and CAPA methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Prepare and present regular reports on supplier audits, quality projects, workshop outcomes, supplier performance, and local quality indicators.
• Support strategic sourcing initiatives by providing supplier quality assessments and risk evaluations.

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

• Several years of experience in Supplier Quality Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, or a comparable role within an industrial environment.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier development programs.
• Experience working with international suppliers and cross-functional teams is considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering would be beneficial.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong knowledge of supplier quality management principles, quality systems, and auditing methodologies.
• Experience with quality standards such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific standards where applicable.
• Proven experience in supplier qualification, quality planning, APQP, PPAP, and supplier performance management.
• Familiarity with quality tools and methodologies including 8D, FMEA, SPC, MSA, CAPA, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Personal Attributes

• Structured, detail-oriented, and quality-focused mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build effective supplier relationships.
• Proactive and results-oriented approach to work.
• High level of accountability and decision-making capability.
• Team player with strong collaboration and coaching skills.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel regularly to supplier locations.
• Fluent English language skills; additional languages are considered an advantage.
• Certified Quality Auditor or similar certifications are considered a plus.

Training Austria Please note: At this time, we are not able to offer immigration sponsorship for new hires. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship. It needs to be closely coordinated with Procurement; the persons should be trained at the same time. I would suggest starting with two periods of two weeks each.