Supplier Quality Engineer

A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive supplier performance, product quality, and continuous improvement across its supply base. This role is critical to ensuring materials and components meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations to support uninterrupted production.This is a hands-on position where you'll work directly with suppliers, lead corrective actions, and proactively prevent issues before they impact operations. If you're someone who prefers fixing problems at the root instead of chasing them after the fact, this is a strong fit. This position is on-site daily in the Bluffton, IN area.Supplier Quality Engineer Benefits and Compensation:Medical, dental, and vision insuranceCompany-paid short-term disabilityOptional long-term disability coverageLife and AD&D insurance with voluntary optionsEmployee Assistance ProgramPaid time off and holidaysSupplier Quality Engineer Requirements & Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field3+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or supplier engineeringStrong working knowledge of ISO 9001, PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, and MSAExperience leading root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why) and corrective actionsAbility to evaluate and qualify suppliers through audits and capability assessmentsExperience managing supplier nonconformances from containment through closureComfortable working in both office and manufacturing environmentsMust haves:Own supplier quality from qualification through ongoing performance managementLead supplier corrective actions and hold vendors accountable for resolutionPartner with engineering and operations on new product launches and supplier readinessAnalyze supplier metrics (PPM, OTIF) and drive measurable improvementReduce reliance on incoming inspection by improving supplier capabilityWork directly with suppliers to improve cost, quality, and lead time using Lean/Six Sigma toolsSupplier Quality Engineer Preferred Background & Skills:Experience in metal manufacturing, stamping, or industrial environmentsFamiliarity with ERP/QMS systems and supplier documentation controlStrong understanding of inspection methods and measurement toolsExperience supporting warranty or field failure investigationsLean Six Sigma certification or formal continuous improvement trainingAbility to influence suppliers and cross-functional teams without direct authority