Supplier Quality Engineer

About Our ClientOur client is a full-service electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider specializing in complex, high-quality electronic and electromechanical products for mission-critical applications. With facilities across Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, they deliver printed circuit board assemblies, cable and harness assemblies, and electromechanical systems to customers in industrial, medical, transportation, aerospace, and defense markets.Built on a culture of quality, agility, and trust, our client has invested heavily in advanced manufacturing technology — including automated SMT lines, optical inspection systems, and collaborative robotics — across a 200,000+ square foot facility. They are AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified and employ a team of 250+ dedicated professionals who take pride in delivering products where reliability is non-negotiable.Why This Role MattersThe supply chain is the foundation of a manufacturer's quality promise — and this role sits at the center of it. As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you'll be the primary driver of supplier accountability, performance, and continuous improvement for printed circuit board assemblies and electronic components essential to mission-critical end products. From qualifying new supply chain partners to resolving complex defect failures, your work will directly impact product reliability, customer confidence, and the company's ability to deliver on its commitments across aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets.This is a high-visibility, cross-functional role where your technical expertise in PCBA processes and quality systems will translate directly into real operational impact.What You'll DoSupplier Management & DevelopmentEvaluate and qualify new PCBA and electronic component suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and risk analysisMonitor supplier performance through KPIs including PPM, on-time delivery, corrective action response rates, and audit scoresLead supplier development projects to improve yield, reduce defects, and strengthen process controlsMaintain approved supplier lists, quality documentation, and audit recordsQuality Assurance & ComplianceReview supplier manufacturing processes, PCBA assembly procedures, SMT processes, and test coverage including ICT, AOI, and functional testEnsure supplier compliance with applicable industry standards — IPC-A-610, IPC-A-600, ISO 9001, IATF 16949 (where automotive applies), and RoHS/REACHSupport new product introduction (NPI) by reviewing DFM, PPAP/FAI submissions, and control plans for PCBA buildsConduct process audits and layered checks at supplier sitesIssue Resolution & Continuous ImprovementInvestigate incoming PCBA defects, returns, and failures using structured root-cause analysis tools (8D, FMEA, SPC)Drive timely supplier corrective actions and verify their effectiveness through data analysis and follow-up auditsCollaborate with engineering teams to differentiate design-related from process-related issuesDevelop and optimize incoming inspection procedures and sampling plans for PCBAs and electronic componentsAnalyze quality trends and defect data to identify systemic supplier issuesProvide technical disposition for nonconforming materials (NCMR/MRB support)Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and procurement teams to ensure alignment across the supply chainSupport cost-reduction initiatives by improving supplier yields and reducing reworkParticipate in design reviews to identify manufacturability concerns and quality risk factorsWhat You BringRequiredBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field3–7 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, or PCBA process engineeringStrong working knowledge of PCB manufacturing, SMT assembly, reflow, wave soldering, conformal coating, and PCBA test processesExperience conducting supplier audits, creating scorecards, and supplier developmentHands-on experience with quality tools including 8D, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and SPCProficiency with IPC-A-610 and IPC-A-600 standardsAbility to read and interpret schematics, PCB layout files, and bills of materials (BOMs)Excellent communication and supplier negotiation skillsAbility to thrive in a high-volume, high-detail manufacturing environmentAdditional Preferred Experience & SkillsASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP)Experience with IATF 16949 in an automotive supply chain contextFamiliarity with RoHS/REACH compliance requirementsBackground in PPAP, FAI, or NPI supportExperience conducting on-site supplier audits