Supply Chain Specialist - Quality Engineer

The role shall be responsible for ensuring the consistent quality of raw materials, components, and sub-assemblies sourced from our external suppliers from a global supply base across Asia, Europe, Scandinavia and North America.

This critical role will be instrumental in safeguarding our manufacturing processes and the quality of our finished goods.

You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining robust quality standards throughout our supply chain, collaborating closely with suppliers to prevent defects, resolve manufacturing-related quality issues, and drive continuous improvement in their processes and performance.

Other responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement supplier quality assurance strategies and procedures specifically tailored to our manufacturing requirements and product specifications.
• Conduct thorough supplier evaluations and audits, focusing on their manufacturing capabilities, process controls, and adherence to our quality standards.
• Collaborate with sourcing and engineering teams to define precise quality requirements, including material specifications, dimensional tolerances, and performance criteria, for all purchased items used in our manufacturing processes.
• Review and approve supplier manufacturing process control plans, inspection plans, and quality documentation (e.g., PFMEA, control charts).
• Monitor supplier quality performance using relevant manufacturing KPIs (e.g., incoming inspection defect rates, supplier PPM, process capability). Analyze data to identify trends and implement proactive measures to prevent quality issues in our production lines.
• Lead the investigation and resolution of supplier-related quality issues impacting our manufacturing processes, including root cause analysis, containment actions, and the implementation of effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Participate in the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process for new product introductions and engineering changes, ensuring supplier readiness for manufacturing and adherence to quality requirements from the outset.
• Conduct First Article Inspections (FAI) and validate supplier manufacturing processes to ensure they meet our specifications and quality standards before full-scale production.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) or a relevant technical discipline with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
• 5 – 10 years of proven experience in a similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100 depending on the industry) and their application in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding and practical application of core quality tools relevant to manufacturing (e.g., APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D problem-solving).
• Demonstrated experience in conducting supplier audits focused on manufacturing processes and quality controls.
• Proven ability to analyze manufacturing quality data, identify root causes of defects, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions in a production environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills to collaborate effectively with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on improving manufacturing quality and efficiency.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and manufacturing process documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in medium-volume agile made-to-order manufacturing operations; precision machining; electronics assembly; EMS industry preferred
• CQE, CQA, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt preferred
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) software and its application in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their impact on supplier quality.