Supplier Quality Engineer- Growing Rapidly- Lancaster, Ma

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) ensures supplier materials and components meet quality standards through audits, issue resolution, and corrective actions. They also support new product launches and collaborate across sourcing, operations, and internal quality to uphold consistent quality from Day One.

Client Details

A long‑established, family‑owned manufacturer of battery connectors, the company has recently expanded into the optical sensors market. Over the past five years, they've achieved dramatic growth, with plans to grow another ~25% in the next 2-3 years-while fostering an upbeat, tech‑savvy culture with excellent facilities and active employee engagement.

Description

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive global supplier quality program, covering corrective actions, performance scorecards, and risk assessments.

• Monitor and report key supplier performance indicators, including defect rates (PPM), non-conformance trends, and on-time delivery, to internal stakeholders.

• Lead structured problem-solving efforts for supplier-related issues, driving root cause analysis and effective corrective actions.

• Plan and execute global supplier audits, including initial qualifications, periodic reviews, and follow-up assessments.

• Assess supplier capabilities, quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001), and production processes for compliance and performance.

• Issue audit findings and ensure timely completion of corrective action plans.

• Support supplier compliance with regulatory and customer-specific requirements such as environmental standards and industry certifications.

• Participate in supplier selection and qualification during new product introduction phases.

• Review and approve supplier documentation, including process validations, control plans, and product quality submissions.

• Work with cross-functional teams to evaluate technical readiness and capability of potential and existing suppliers.

• Conduct risk assessments across the supply base and escalate high-risk issues when necessary.

• Lead supplier improvement initiatives using methodologies like statistical process control (SPC), lean manufacturing, and error-proofing techniques.

• Provide quality input to strategic sourcing decisions, including make-or-buy analyses.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Supply Chain Management.

• Experience in quality assurance or supplier quality roles, preferably within multi-site or global operations.

• Proficiency in quality management systems and standards, with knowledge of audit protocols being advantageous.

• Familiarity with quality tools and methodologies, including but not limited to PPAP, APQP, FMEA, control plans, MSA, and 8D.

• Experience with various manufacturing processes, such as plastic molding, stamping, forging, and machining.

• Proven project management skills, demonstrating the ability to lead and execute quality improvement initiatives.

• Certification in Six Sigma or experience in Lean manufacturing environments is desirable.

• Understanding of regulatory frameworks and industry standards relevant to quality assurance.

• Strong technical writing and documentation skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports.

• Proficiency in ERP systems and quality-related software tools.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Job Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• Wellness programs
  
• 401(k) with company match
  
• Cash Balance Pension Plan
  
• Paid time off (vacation, personal days, volunteer time, holidays)
  
• Parental leave
  

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.