Supplier Quality Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of global supply chains, the importance of Supplier Quality Engineers has never been more critical.

The world of business constantly evolves, and with each development, the demand for skilled individuals who can analyze, maintain, and enhance our supplier quality systems grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Supplier Quality Engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate details of supplier quality engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Supplier Quality Engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Supplier Quality Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Engineers ensure that the products produced by suppliers meet the quality standards and specifications of the company.

They are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance protocols to ensure supplier compliance and product quality.

Supplier Quality Engineers often have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate and select suppliers based on their ability to meet product and schedule requirements
• Develop and implement supplier quality evaluation and control systems
• Conduct supplier audits to drive process standardization, waste elimination, and continuous improvement
• Monitor, communicate and improve key supply chain KPIs, including Supplier On Time Delivery, Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to resolve supplier quality issues
• Collaborate with supplier representatives on quality problems, ensure corrective actions are implemented and contribute to supplier quality improvement programs
• Manage and maintain supplier performance metrics, assessment, and certification programs
• Train suppliers to execute specific quality system processes
• Coordinate with engineering and procurement teams to ensure supplier compliance with contractual requirements

 

Supplier Quality Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent Supplier Quality Engineer to oversee our supplier quality control functions.

Your responsibilities will include conducting audits, analyzing defect trends, and leading continuous improvement projects.

The Supplier Quality Engineer will conduct capability assessments that verify supplier qualifications, travel to assigned suppliers, and lead multiple projects to completion.

You must be a self-directed professional capable of handling materials and fully understanding the manufacturing process.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating suppliers, conducting audits, and assessing supplier quality metrics.
• Working with suppliers to ensure all necessary quality activities are rigorously carried out.
• Monitoring supplier performance and response times to ensure production continuity.
• Developing and implementing supplier quality-related training programs for the quality and sourcing teams.
• Reviewing supplier manufacturing processes, collaborating with suppliers on process improvement and value enhancement opportunities.
• Managing supplier corrective action reports.
• Conducting tests to ensure quality or detect defects.
• Implementing supplier certification programs and conducting annual audits.
• Preparing reports to communicate outcomes of quality activities.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer or relevant role in quality control.
• Experience with quality inspection, auditing, and testing methods.
• Strong knowledge of quality control standards and testing methodologies.
• Working knowledge of the manufacturing process.
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with quality management systems (ISO 9001).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to travel for supplier visits.
• BSc degree in Engineering, Quality, or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent travel to supplier sites.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Quality Manager or Director of Quality Assurance.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $77,000 minimum to $132,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Supplier Quality Engineer Do?

Supplier Quality Engineers typically work for manufacturing or production companies across various industries, ensuring that the quality of supplies received meet specific standards.

These engineers work closely with suppliers, assessing their products’ quality against predefined criteria.

They conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Their primary role involves ensuring that all materials and parts from suppliers are of high quality, reducing the risk of product defects and malfunctions later down the production line.

They achieve this by assessing a supplier’s manufacturing processes, product consistency, and overall reliability.

Supplier Quality Engineers also work on continuous improvement initiatives, identifying areas of improvement in the supply chain processes and implementing corrective actions.

They often collaborate with procurement and operations teams to manage supplier relationships and address any issues that arise.

Additionally, they play a crucial role in solving issues related to supplier quality.

If defects or inconsistencies are found, they are responsible for working with the supplier to identify the root cause of the problem and ensure that corrective actions are implemented.

They may also be responsible for training suppliers to meet quality standards, ensuring that the company’s quality objectives are well-understood and met consistently.

 

Supplier Quality Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Supplier Quality Engineers require a blend of technical abilities, soft skills, and industry knowledge to effectively manage and assess supplier quality, such as:

• Technical knowledge in quality control and assurance to effectively assess and manage supplier quality and performance.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate suppliers’ methods, materials, and products, and to resolve any issues that arise.
• Exceptional communication skills to interface with suppliers and cross-functional teams, reporting on supplier performance, and discussing quality improvement strategies.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills to monitor and keep track of multiple suppliers and their performance metrics simultaneously.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address quality issues, devise improvement strategies, and implement corrective actions with suppliers.
• Understanding of industry-specific regulations and standards, such as ISO 9001, to ensure supplier compliance.
• Project management abilities to coordinate and lead supplier quality-related projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Proficiency in using quality inspection tools and software for data analysis and reporting.

 

Supplier Quality Engineer Experience Requirements

Starting as a Supplier Quality Engineer often requires a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in quality assurance, supply chain, or a closely related field.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or full-time roles in organizations with a focus on manufacturing, engineering, or supply chain management.

Entry-level Supplier Quality Engineers typically have experience in conducting quality audits, dealing with suppliers, and using quality tools and methodologies.

They may also have experience with specific industry quality standards, such as ISO 9001 or AS9100.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a deep understanding of supplier quality management, including supplier evaluation, selection, and monitoring.

They may also have experience in project management and cross-functional team collaboration.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience often have a track record of successfully managing supplier quality issues and driving continuous improvement in supplier performance.

They may also have leadership experience and be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

Experience in strategic planning and decision-making related to supplier quality is also common at this level.

Regardless of the years of experience, a strong background in problem-solving, data analysis, and communication is vital for the Supplier Quality Engineer role.

As they often work closely with suppliers, they also need good negotiation skills and the ability to maintain effective professional relationships.

 

Supplier Quality Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Supplier Quality Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in industrial, mechanical, or manufacturing engineering, or a related field.

They need a solid foundation in quality control methods and practices, as well as experience with statistical analysis and reporting tools.

Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other quality management standards is often required.

For some specialized roles or industries, a master’s degree or advanced coursework in quality engineering or supply chain management may be preferred.

Certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) from recognized organizations like the American Society for Quality (ASQ) can also enhance job prospects and career growth.

In addition to formal education, Supplier Quality Engineers often need practical experience with supplier audits, performance evaluation, and corrective action plans.

They should also demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills, as the role requires interfacing with suppliers and internal teams to ensure product quality.

As with most engineering roles, ongoing training and development is critical to keep up with advancements in technology and changes in industry standards and regulations.

 

Supplier Quality Engineer Salary Expectations

A Supplier Quality Engineer earns an average salary of $75,487 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary significantly depending on the level of experience, specific skills, location, and the size of the company.

 

Supplier Quality Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Supplier Quality Engineer need?

Supplier Quality Engineers need strong analytical skills to identify the cause of issues in the supplier’s quality control process and come up with feasible solutions.

They should also have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with suppliers and explain their findings.

Proficiency in quality assurance methodologies, statistical analysis, and project management is also beneficial.

Additionally, knowledge of relevant regulatory standards is crucial in this role.

 

Do Supplier Quality Engineers need a degree?

A Supplier Quality Engineer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.

Some positions might prefer candidates with a master’s degree or additional certifications in quality control or quality assurance.

Depending on the industry, specific knowledge or certification, such as ISO 9001 or Six Sigma, might be required.

 

What should you look for in a Supplier Quality Engineer resume?

When reviewing a Supplier Quality Engineer resume, check for a degree in engineering or a related field, and previous experience in quality assurance.

Look for knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, familiarity with statistical analysis, and experience in project management.

Additionally, any certifications in quality control or specific industry knowledge can be a significant plus.

 

What qualities make a good Supplier Quality Engineer?

A good Supplier Quality Engineer is analytical, able to identify and understand complex problems and develop effective solutions.

They have excellent communication skills, allowing them to explain problems and potential solutions to suppliers and other stakeholders.

They are organized and detail-oriented, ensuring all aspects of quality control are thoroughly evaluated and any issues are promptly addressed.

 

How important is industry knowledge for a Supplier Quality Engineer?

Industry knowledge is crucial for a Supplier Quality Engineer as they need to understand the specific quality standards and regulatory requirements for the industry.

This understanding helps them evaluate suppliers’ compliance, identify potential issues, and implement appropriate quality control processes.

Industry knowledge also allows them to communicate effectively with suppliers and other stakeholders.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the complex world of supplier quality engineering.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about verifying the quality of products.

It’s about ensuring excellence and consistency, one supplier at a time.

With our comprehensive supplier quality engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to creating meticulous job listings or perfecting your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every supplier and product is a cog in the vast machinery of your organization.

Let’s ensure excellence. Together.

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