Job Title: Supplier Quality EngineerJob DescriptionThe Supplier Quality Engineer oversees supplier quality assurance activities across all facilities, including incoming inspection, issue containment, and supplier-driven corrective actions. This role provides technical support and analysis for supplier quality issues, supports nonconformance and corrective action systems, and actively drives improvements in supplier quality culture and overall product quality.Responsibilities
- Ensure suppliers meet all contractual requirements and maintain full compliance with applicable specifications.
- Collaborate with Purchasing, Goods Receiving, Material Control, and Quality Assurance Receiving Inspection to evaluate and disposition incoming production goods.
- Communicate product acceptance results and quality findings clearly to all relevant internal departments.
- Support containment, segregation, nonconformance material (NCM) review, and trend analysis activities related to supplied parts.
- Issue, manage, and track external supplier corrective and preventive action requests, and verify the effectiveness of implemented actions.
- Assist in responding to customer supplier corrective and preventive action requests, including preparation of failure analysis reports and root cause analysis for supplier-related issues.
- Evaluate and qualify new suppliers and vendors to ensure they meet quality, technical, and performance requirements.
- Perform on-site supplier qualification audits to assess quality systems, processes, and compliance with standards.
- Create and execute development plans for suppliers to support performance targets and monitor their progress against agreed objectives.
- Assess the impact of supplier part change notifications and determine required steps for change authorization in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
- Work directly with suppliers to significantly improve overall product quality and drive enhancements to their quality management systems.
- Provide training to suppliers on quality requirements, investigative techniques, product-related topics, and process improvement tools.
- Develop, maintain, and report supplier metrics and scorecards to track performance, trends, and improvement opportunities.
Essential Skills
- Quality engineering experience with strong focus on supplier quality and manufacturing environments.
- Advanced ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, including a solid understanding of advanced GD&T principles and inspection of critical features.
- Proficiency in First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) methodologies.
- Working knowledge of structured corrective action methodologies such as 8D, RCCA, 7-Step, and CAR.
- Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and influence supplier performance with strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with internal teams and suppliers.
- Knowledge of quality management systems, such as ISO 9001, and ability to apply quality standards and requirements in measurement and inspection activities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and SharePoint.
- Previous supplier quality experience with a sound understanding of quality processes and systems, manufacturing processes, basic statistical methods, and program management.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in engineering or manufacturing, with fabrication experience preferred.
- Four-year college or university degree in Quality, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement practices.
- Exposure to methodologies such as Six Sigma and the ability to use them to drive process improvements.
- Experience conducting audits and inspections in a production or supplier environment.
- Experience developing and managing corrective action plans and quality improvement initiatives.
Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a dynamic manufacturing and supplier-focused environment that combines office-based analytical work with on-site activities at receiving inspection areas and supplier facilities. You will regularly interact with cross-functional teams such as Purchasing, Material Control, Goods Receiving, and Quality Assurance. The position involves reviewing engineering drawings and documentation, using standard office software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and SharePoint, and participating in audits and inspections of production and supplier processes. Travel to supplier locations for qualification audits and training sessions may be required. Typical working hours follow standard business schedules, with flexibility needed to support supplier visits and critical quality issues. Dress expectations are generally aligned with professional office attire, with appropriate safety gear required when visiting production or inspection areas. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Lakeville, MN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/yr. 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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Lakeville, MN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Lakeville,MN.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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.