Job Title - Supplier Quality Engineer - gears, gearboxes, hydraulics, etc.
Location - Oak Brook, IL or Racine, WI
FUll time role
NO C2C AND NO VISA SPOSNORSHIP AVAIALBLE. PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY
As the Supplier Quality Engineer for Mechanical Commodity, you will manage the relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality standards are met. You will be the driver of supplier quality excellence, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement for your supply base. You will collaborate closely with internal teams, including purchasing, engineering, and manufacturing plants, to improve quality of product and process.
Technical Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
- 6+ years in manufacturing, with at least 3 years focused on supplier quality or quality management.
- Mechanical component knowledge is a must — gears, gearboxes, hydraulics, etc.
- Proficiency with APQP tools , SPC , Gage R&R , Capability Studies , etc.
- Understanding and experience working with Advanced Quality Planning tools (design reviews, FMEAs, Contractual Control Plans, Inspection and Test plans, Gage R&R Studies, Capability Studies, SPC, 7-step or 8D corrective action process )
- Ability to travel up to 40% across North America.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or CQE/CQA/Six Sigma certifications .
- Familiarity with fluid power transmission , hydraulic cylinders , hoses , exhaust systems .
- Experience in off-highway, heavy equipment, or agricultural machinery sectors.
- 3+ years of supplier base/project management experience .
- Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, able to influence stakeholders and suppliers alike.
- Develop and implement supplier quality strategy for mechanical commodities.
- Lead APQP , PPAP , and supplier qualification for new programs.
- Perform risk assessments (QRA, TR, PA) and lead warranty issue resolution .
- Ensure containment actions (CSL1/CSL2) and track PIQ/PPM and FQI metrics.
- Enforce corrective actions using structured tools: 8D, 5 Whys, FMEA, DOE, Control Plans .
- Collaborate cross-functionally with purchasing, engineering, and manufacturing .
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Quality Leadership
- Develop and implement a progressive supplier quality strategy for your commodity to enhance overall supplier quality performance.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives that promote supplier development, process excellence, and zero-defect culture.
Supplier Qualification & New Product Launch
- Lead new supplier selection and qualification processes through Potential Supplier Audits (PSA) and business case evaluations.
- Ensure adherence to Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
- Implement preventative quality strategies to mitigate risks before they impact production through Technical Reviews (TR), Quality Risk Assessment (QRA), Program reviews (PR), and Process Audits (PA).
Supplier Performance Management and Process Excellence
- Manage Supplier Quality Performance (SQP) and track PIQ/PPM metrics to ensure compliance.
- Ensure CSL1/CSL2 containment protocols are effectively executed to prevent non-conformities from reaching the production line.
- Enforce corrective and preventive actions (using 8D, 5Whys, Fishbone, FMEA, Control Plans, Poke Yoke and DOE methods) to resolve supplier issues efficiently.
- Lead resolution of top warranty issues for suppliers and contribute to Field Quality Index (FQI).
- Assist in Strategic Sourcing Program initiatives to enhance supplier quality and reliability.