Are you a results-driven quality engineer, technical problem solver, or engineering graduate who thrives on investigating shop-floor defects, performing root-cause analysis, and leading permanent corrective actions with suppliers? Do you bring a strong understanding of quality management tools (such as 8D, FMEA, and SPC), GD&T print reading capabilities, and a passion for ensuring top-tier component quality in heavy manufacturing? As Cerebral Staffing , we are seeking a motivated Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer to join our team supporting our client, John Deere , at their Waterloo Works - Tractor Operations facility in Waterloo, IA . Whether you bring proven supplier quality engineering experience or are a recent engineering/technology graduate eager to build your career in manufacturing quality, we want to hear from you. Commodity Supplier Quality Engineer - John Deere Waterloo Works (Waterloo, IA) This is a long-term 2+ year contract opportunity paying up to $38/hr , including 1 week of PTO . Operating 100% onsite on 1st shift (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM) in Waterloo, IA , you will lead supplier quality initiatives and root-cause problem resolution—focused primarily on fluid conveyance systems, as well as hydraulics, metal fabrications, and fasteners.

Position Details & Compensation Pay Rate:

Up to $38/hr (W2) .

Location:

100% Onsite at John Deere Waterloo Works - Tractor Operations ( Waterloo, IA ).

Duration:

2+ Years (Providing solid long-term contract stability).

Shift & Hours:

1st Shift (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with end-of-shift overtime as scheduled).

Benefits:

1 Week PTO , Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k, and Referral Bonuses.

Safety & Gear:

Metatarsal safety boots required on Day 1 . Candidate must be comfortable spending time on the shop floor.

Plant & Local Travel:

May drive an indoor John Deere Gator within the connected factory complex (after completing Deere safety training) and drive personal vehicle to local Deere facilities within a 20-mile radius as needed.

Dress Code:

Business Casual.

Visa Sponsorship:

Not available now or in the near future for this position.

Core Responsibilities Shop Floor & Supplier Quality Solutions:

Lead and facilitate rapid-response quality solutions for urgent shop-floor and customer issues, driving permanent corrective actions (8D, 5-Why) to eliminate defect recurrences.

Commodity Quality Planning:

Perform quality planning for current products, supplier change requests, cost reductions, resourcing, and temporary sourcing—focusing on fluid conveyance, hydraulics, fabrications, or fasteners.

Design & Assembly Reviews:

Execute Design Process and Assembly Reviews (DPARs), drawing/print reviews, and design evaluations for new and existing component assemblies.

Six Sigma & Quality Tool Execution:

Apply statistical analysis, Process Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, Gage R&R, MSA, and capability studies to evaluate supplier-manufactured parts.

Cross-Functional Leadership:

Lead Supplier Quality Improvement Teams and facilitate cross-functional project management across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain.

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills Education:

Degree in Engineering, Technology, Data Analytics, Computer Science, Business, or Communications ( Recent Engineering/Technology Graduates are encouraged to apply! ).

Quality Management Tools:

Functional understanding of standard quality tools (FMEA, SPC, Root Cause Analysis, 8D, Control Plans, Gage R&R, Capability Studies).

Print Reading & GD&T:

Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, including functional knowledge of GD&T.

Project Management & Soft Skills:

Strong analytical problem-solving skills, excellent communication, high self-motivation, and willingness to learn.

Shop Floor Readiness:

Comfort working directly in a factory environment, willingness to wear metatarsal boots Day 1, and availability for 1st shift (plus overtime).

APPLY NOW

to lead critical supplier quality projects, solve complex manufacturing challenges, and build an exceptional career path with John Deere!

Pay:

Up to $38.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person