Title: Supplier Development Engineer
Location: Morton, IL
Details: 12-month ongoing contract, opportunity for direct hire, fully onsite role
Pay Rate: $42.00 – 45.00/hr. with benefit inclusions
Job Summary
The Supplier Development Engineer will support the Morton, IL operations by providing technical leadership to develop and elevate the supplier network’s quality, cost, logistics, delivery, and management (QCLDM) performance. You will assess new and existing suppliers, implement robust process controls, and drive continuous improvement using Lean, Built-In Quality (BIQ), and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodologies. This role ensures suppliers meet SQEP certification expectations and customer requirements by validating process capability, assuring PPAP readiness, and resolving quality issues with durable corrective actions.
Responsibilities
- Conduct supplier assessments and audits using QCLDM standards; evaluate and qualify new suppliers through SES and QMS audits.
- Drive supplier development by implementing Lean, BIQ, and APQP practices; ensure PPAP completion and validate process capability and readiness.
- Review and approve APQP deliverables (FMEA, Control Plans, Gage R&R) and enforce PCN compliance; monitor process controls for stability and effectiveness.
- Lead resolution of supplier quality issues using structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D) and drive continuous improvement in capability and waste reduction.
- Support category strategies, supplier selection, and performance management; participate in SPM reviews and metric development.
- Collaborate with Buyers, Engineering, and Operations on CPPD/NPI/CPI activities, engineering changes, and cost/throughput improvements.
- Contribute to MQ11005 certification, 6 Sigma initiatives, SPQ projects, and supplier quality metrics reporting.
- Stay current on manufacturing technologies to guide design, quality, and manufacturability decisions.
- Note: This role focuses on supplier quality engineering and development, not supply chain expediting or Workflow reporting.
Years of Experience and Education
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Engineering) or equivalent experience.
- Experience:
- Required: 0–2 years of related experience.
- Preferred: 3–5 years of job-related experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or related fields.
Skills Required
- Strong knowledge of APQP and PPAP with hands-on experience reviewing Process FMEAs, Control Plans, and Gage R&R; proven ability to validate process capability.
- Proficiency with structured problem-solving and statistical tools; demonstrated success driving permanent corrective actions (8D).
- Working knowledge of Lean and BIQ; experience auditing suppliers against QMS/QCLDM standards and verifying PCN adherence.
- Familiarity with supplier performance metrics, and cross-functional collaboration across Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills; ability to influence suppliers and lead technical discussions and project plans.
- Six Sigma: Green Belt training/experience strongly desired.
- Certifications: Quality Engineering certification and/or ASQ certification desired.
- Solid understanding of shop operations, manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and maintenance procedures to support launch and ongoing production.