Supplier Quality Engineer - 50% Travel

Supplier Quality Engineer - 50% Travel Genuine Search Group Columbus, OH Job Details Full-time $70,000 - $100,000 a year 19 hours ago Benefits Paid parental leave Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Qualifications Teamwork Interpersonal skills Six Sigma Green Belt Supplier management Supplier quality engineering practices Supplier audits Problem-solving Relationship building Certified Supplier Quality Professional PPAP Manufacturing company experience Supplier quality assurance (SQA) Full Job Description Job Summary We are seeking a dynamic, solutions-driven Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join our client's growing automotive manufacturing team. In this role, you won't just be auditing processes from a desk; you will be the face of our company on the front lines, partnering directly with our supplier network. With 50% travel, this role is designed for a relationship-builder who thrives on the move. You will collaborate with suppliers to resolve complex quality issues, launch new programs, and drive continuous improvement, ensuring supply chain matches the rigorous standards for automotive excellence. Duties Your time will be split between strategic oversight and hands-on, on-site supplier collaboration:

Supplier Partnership & Development:

Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers. Act as the primary technical liaison between supplier manufacturing sites and our internal engineering teams.

Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving:

Lead containment, root cause investigations, and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) for supplier-related quality issues to minimize production downtime.

NPI & APQP

Oversight:

Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new component launches, ensuring flawless execution from prototype to mass production.

Auditing & Compliance:

Conduct regular on-site supplier process audits (VDA 6.3, IATF 16949) to assess technical capability, identify risks, and mandate continuous improvement plans.

Performance Metrics:

Monitor, score, and report on supplier quality KPIs (PPM, non-conformance rates), presenting findings to executive leadership.

Qualifications Degree:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent technical experience).

Elite Communication:

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. You can gracefully navigate tough conversations with suppliers while maintaining a partnership-first mindset.

High-Level Problem Solving:

A proven track record of diagnosing complex manufacturing defects using data-driven methodologies (Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a major plus).

Relationship First Mindset:

Ability to quickly build trust with cross-functional teams and external supplier leadership.

Experience:

2+ years of quality engineering experience specifically within the automotive manufacturing sector.

Core Toolkit:

Deep familiarity with

IATF 16949, ISO

9001, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and Control Plans.

Pay:

$70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid parental leave Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43260