Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title: Supplier Quality EngineerJob DescriptionThe Supplier Quality Engineer evaluates potential and current suppliers to ensure they meet manufacturing, quality, and performance expectations. This role serves as a critical liaison between production, program teams, and suppliers to resolve quality issues, drive continuous improvement, and safeguard seamless delivery. The engineer collaborates closely with internal engineering and sourcing teams to identify and mitigate production risks, leads root cause corrective action activities, and manages key supplier quality processes such as PPAP and audits to maintain high standards of manufacturing excellence.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate potential and existing suppliers for manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, and overall performance to ensure they meet organizational standards.
• Act as the primary link between production teams, program teams, and suppliers to resolve quality issues and maintain seamless delivery of products and components.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal engineering and sourcing teams to proactively identify and mitigate production and quality risks.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities to investigate issues, determine underlying causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive and facilitate continuous improvement events focused on enhancing supplier quality, process robustness, and overall performance.
• Assess supplier process robustness and validate the effectiveness of corrective actions and improvement initiatives.
• Lead supplier engagement activities and regular cadences to review performance, address concerns, and align on quality expectations and goals.
• Participate in supplier audits to verify compliance with relevant quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and manage the Supplier Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) to ensure new or modified parts meet all quality and manufacturing requirements before release.
• Utilize tools such as FMEA, control plans, and statistical process control to monitor and improve supplier processes and product quality.
• Develop, review, and maintain corrective action plans with suppliers to address nonconformances and prevent recurrence.
• Support implementation of advanced product quality planning (APQP) activities with suppliers to ensure robust launch and ongoing quality performance.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in supplier quality or closely related quality functions.
• Bachelors degree, preferably in an engineering discipline.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis methodologies and tools.
• Proficiency in developing and managing control plans for supplier processes.
• Experience performing and using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to assess and mitigate risk.
• Experience conducting process capability studies to evaluate and improve supplier process performance.
• Practical experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Strong knowledge and experience with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Experience with Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), including creating and tracking corrective action plans.
• Auditing experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management system standards.
• Working knowledge of supplier quality engineering practices and tools.
• Ability to lead and facilitate Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities.
• Knowledge of statistical process control techniques and their application in manufacturing environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies and their application to process improvement.
• Familiarity with Lean principles and continuous improvement practices.
• Understanding of process improvement frameworks and tools used to enhance manufacturing and supplier performance.
• Experience participating in or leading audits in complex manufacturing or aerospace environments.
• Exposure to AS9100 or similar aerospace quality standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on data-driven decision making.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Effective communication skills to convey quality expectations, findings, and improvement plans.

Work EnvironmentThis role operates within a manufacturing and engineering-focused environment that emphasizes rigorous quality standards and continuous improvement. The Supplier Quality Engineer frequently collaborates with production, program, engineering, and sourcing teams, as well as external suppliers, to review processes, conduct audits, and lead quality initiatives. Work may involve visiting supplier facilities, participating in on-site audits, and overseeing PPAP activities. The environment values structured problem-solving, use of quality tools such as FMEA and statistical process control, and adherence to quality management systems like ISO 9001 and AS9100. The culture promotes proactive risk mitigation, robust process design, and strong cross-functional communication to ensure reliable delivery and high-quality products. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Anoka, MN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/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.Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance.

A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan both include a company match.

Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Anoka, MN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Anoka,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.