Engineer Supplier QA

About Us As a family-owned company, it's the people who continue to make STIHL a successful, world-class brand. Since revolutionizing the forestry industry in Germany with the first electric chainsaw in 1926, the STIHL name has remained synonymous with outstanding innovations, high-quality products and comprehensive service. With competitive compensation, excellent benefits and exciting growth potential, it is a great time to join the STIHL team! Why You'll Love Working at STIHL: Competitive pay with multiple bonus opportunities and potential for annual merit increasesExcellent health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision InsuranceOnsite Health & Wellness Center for employees and eligible family membersCompany-paid Life Insurance and Short & Long-Term DisabilityRobust retirement offerings including:A fully vested Pension Plan after 5 yearsA 401(k) with generous employer matchPaid time off in addition to 11 Paid HolidaysA strong culture of stability, community, and innovationCompensation: $86,000-100,000 per year. Actual compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and internal equity About You As a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) at STIHL, you are a key contributor to the procurement team, responsible for assessing, developing, and evaluating the production and quality capabilities of the supplier base. You ensure these capabilities meet STIHL's standards by applying globally and locally established quality methods, understanding customer and business requirements, driving problem-solving initiatives, and supporting the continuous development of supplier processes and capabilities. As the primary liaison between STIHL and suppliers, you serve as the main point of contact for quality, production, and process capability matters, fostering strong relationships and driving continuous improvement throughout the supply chain. Job Duties & ResponsibilitiesAnalyze data and develop value-added reporting graphics on supplier performance, trends, and improvement opportunitiesApply systematic techniques to investigate and evaluate quality challenges (e.g., DOE, FMEA, GR&R)Participate as a team member to support and build diversity, expertise, and organizational stabilityFacilitate implementation of APQP elements with new and existing suppliersDrive quality and process improvements (e.g., quality agreements, specifications) in collaboration with cross-functional teamsConduct supplier audits at production locations and sub-tier suppliers to ensure compliance with requirements and expectationsParticipate in internal initiatives such as project management, APQP, supplier evaluation, and monthly reportingCreate, maintain, and document Quality Notifications with clear actions and valuable insightsSupport the assessment, release, and development of new and existing suppliersNotify suppliers and negotiate sorting and rework actions to achieve fair solutionsContribute to the development and execution of inspection plans, testing methods, and inspection techniquesLead the development of supplier quality improvement plans within the assigned supply chainAssist internal customers in identifying and resolving quality and design issues related to purchased goods or servicesCollaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent application of specifications, testing, and inspection requirementsDetermine disposition of rejected goods or services, including defining sorting and rework criteriaLead supplier actions to ensure timely completion and sustainability of quality objectivesChampion initiatives to monitor and reduce the cost of quality both internally and externallySupport the creation, development, and implementation of local systems and controlsEscalate more complex issues to senior SQEs or supervisors as neededTake on additional responsibilities as assigned or requiredSpecificationsBachelors of Science Degree required; emphasis in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering preferredASQ CQA certification: preferred 4+ years demonstrated experience in supplier quality engineering required; with emphasis on quality principles and methods4+ years of experience working with international suppliers and quality standards.Intermediate level in auditing and assessing production, corporate social responsibility, environmental, and quality capabilities according to international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO/TS16959, VDA, and ISO 14001.Intermediate level in using systematic techniques, quality tools, and methodologies. E.g. 5 WHY, 8D, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, Process flow, etc.Intermediate level in process control, APQP, PPAP, SPC, control plans, PFMEA, Cp & Cpk and GR&R studiesIntermediate level analytical skills (problem solver) with ability to diagnose root causes and influence sustainable actionsIntermediate level verbal, written and presentation skillsAbility to communicate effectively with domestic and international suppliers while assuming a lead role in activities.Ability to act as a team player and work on most tasks independently or with some supervision.Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally is required.