Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title:

Supplier Quality Engineer Job Description This role leads supplier quality activities to ensure that purchased components and materials consistently meet specification, support reliable production, and enable successful new product introductions. You will own supplier quality performance end-to-end, from qualification and auditing through non-conformance management and continuous improvement, while working closely with engineering, supply chain, and operations in a lean, fast-paced environment. Responsibilities Lead supplier quality activities, including planning and conducting supplier audits, monitoring performance, and driving improvement initiatives. Drive corrective actions and root cause investigations for supplier-related issues using structured methodologies such as 8D and CAPA. Manage supplier non-conformances (NCRs), ensuring timely containment, disposition, and permanent resolution. Support supplier qualification and onboarding processes, including assessing capabilities and quality systems. Review and support First Article Inspections (FAI) and component approvals to ensure compliance with specifications and standards. Analyze supplier quality data, identify trends, and implement actions that drive continuous improvement in supplier performance. Partner cross-functionally with engineering, supply chain, and operations to resolve issues, align requirements, and support production needs. Support new product introduction (NPI) activities and ensure supplier readiness for new components and products. Maintain supplier quality documentation, including scorecards, metrics, and tracking systems for ongoing performance management. Serve as an individual contributor who operates independently while taking full ownership of supplier quality performance. Engage directly with suppliers to communicate expectations, review issues, and drive corrective and preventive actions. Contribute to building and refining supplier quality processes and systems rather than simply maintaining existing approaches. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field. At least 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, quality engineering, or a closely related field. Experience leading or independently conducting supplier audits as a lead or independent auditor. Hands-on experience developing and driving corrective actions and CAPA using 8D or similar structured methodologies. Strong root cause analysis skills, including use of Ishikawa diagrams and structured problem-solving techniques. Experience managing non-conformance reports (NCRs) and implementing effective containment and corrective actions. Proficiency with core quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA. Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) processes and documentation. Familiarity with ANSI sampling methodologies and inspection standards (e.g., ANSI Z1.4 or similar). Experience working in manufacturing environments, such as electronics, consumer products, or similar industries. Exposure to multiple commodities, including plastics and injection molding, electronics and SMT components, connectors, cables and harnesses, sheet metal and stamping, and painting and coatings. Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, supply chain, and operations teams. Ability to operate independently in a lean, fast-paced environment with high ownership expectations. Willingness and ability to travel approximately 10-20%, primarily domestically with occasional international travel as needed. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in Supplier Quality Engineering with direct responsibility for supplier performance and development. Background in SMT assembly, PCB-related processes, or electronics manufacturing environments. Familiarity with ISO audit practices and quality management systems. Experience with commodity management or working closely with commodity-focused teams. Demonstrated ability to build and refine supplier quality processes and systems in a growing organization. Comfort working in a hands-on role that combines technical problem solving with frequent supplier interaction. Interest in career growth into more senior responsibilities within quality or supplier development as the organization scales. Work Environment This is an onsite role supporting manufacturing operations within a lean, high-ownership quality team. The position combines desk-based work, such as data analysis, documentation, and planning, with regular shop floor presence to support production and interact with operations. You will also spend time engaging directly with suppliers through remote collaboration and on-site visits. Travel is approximately 10-20%, primarily domestic with occasional trips to Asia if needed. The environment emphasizes autonomy, accountability, and continuous improvement, offering exposure to a diverse mix of commodities across electronics, plastics, and mechanical components, as well as strong cross-functional visibility with engineering, supply chain, and operations. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Carlsbad, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $75200.00 - $100300.00/yr. 3 weeks PTO + holidays Medical, dental, vision 401K + life insurance Tuition reimbursement Pet insurance Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Carlsbad,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.