Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title: Supplier Quality EngineerLocation: Wendell, NC/ HybridPay rate: $57.50/hr.W2Duration: 12 MonthsShift timings:8:00 am to 4:00 pmJob Description:This role is responsible for ensuring supplier quality through meticulous audits, qualification processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.The position bridges suppliers, R&D, purchasing, and fi eld teams to resolve quality concerns, drive root cause analysis, and enhance overall supply chain performance.It also includes leading PPAP deliverables, coordinating quality agreements, and implementing systems to ensure consistent compliance and supplier development.Responsibilities:Supplier Auditing & QualificationPlan and conduct supplier audits in accordance with VDA 6.3 standards.Evaluate and qualify new and existing suppliers, focusing on compliance and performance.Lead supplier qualification efforts and defi ne quality requirements.Quality Planning & PPAP ManagementEnsure PPAP documentation and results meet performance, process capability, and compliance expectations.Make final decisions regarding supplier PPAP requirements and approvals.Handle documentation, meeting coordination, and feedback distribution.Supplier Quality Assurance & AgreementsCoordinate and negotiate standardized Quality Assurance Agreements (QAAs).Supervise the implementation of QAAs across the supplier base.Design, maintain, and implement supplier quality system regulations and processes.Continuous Improvement & Problem SolvingPromote supplier performance improvement and support suppliers in corrective and preventive actions.Analyze error history and lead sustainable root cause analysis.Implement supplier development programs to enhance quality and reliability.Challenge Resolution & CommunicationFunction as a bridge connecting suppliers, research and development, procurement, and field/customer teams to tackle quality or supply challenges.Coordinate complaint handling for defective purchased parts, including communication with suppliers and internal collaborators.Support purchasing in recovering additional costs resulting from non-conformities.Strategic & Project ManagementCoordinate projects related to material group strategy, non-conformity cost reduction, and productivity improvement.Collaborate with international partner plants to align and optimize supplier quality strategies.Basic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in a STEM field, such as mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or electrical engineering OR 3+ years of vocational training plus an additional 5+ years in a technician role.5 years of experience in various areas of production and/or development/quality management.3+ years of experience with the following:Addressing supplier performance and supply issues through root cause analysis and collaboration with suppliers, R&D, and fi eld/customer teams.Leading PPAP activities, documentation and conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance, qualification, and continuous improvement.Implementing quality and problem-solving methods (8D, FMEA, Ishikawa, PDCA) with strong technical understanding of drawings, standards, and regulations.Demonstrating critical thinking, independent decision-making, and clear communication of actionable insights.