Supplier Quality Engineer – Greenfield, MA

We are seeking an experienced SQE to establish, own, and continuously improve our supplier quality management system with a strong focus on special processes and surface finishes (passivation, anodize, phosphate, black oxide, etc.). This role partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Quality to translate requirements into supplier-ready instructions, verify capability, and sustain performance through audits, scorecards, and corrective actions. 

Key Responsibilities

Build & Own Core Systems

• Supplier Quality Manual (SQM): Create and maintain a concise, authoritative manual that consolidates all supplier expectations (process controls, documentation, packaging/labeling, traceability, CoCs, special processes, FAI/PPAP, change control, etc.).

• Vendor Requirements Statement (VRS): Maintain a single source of truth for baseline quality requirements that automatically flow down on every PO.

• PO Part-Specific Requirements: Partner with Engineering & Purchasing to define and flow down part-specific special characteristics, finish/test methods, and documentation packages (beyond coatings alone).

• Approved Supplier List (ASL) & Qualification: Lead supplier onboarding, qualification, risk/rating, special process approvals, and periodic re-approval.

• Incoming Inspection Strategy: Define risk-based sampling plans (AQL/C=0 as appropriate), verification methods, and acceptance criteria—especially for coatings/finishes (thickness, adhesion, roughness, hardness/case depth).

• SCAR/8D System: Run a closed-loop process from containment → root cause (verified) → corrective action → effectiveness checks.

• Audit Program: Plan and execute process & system audits (ISO 9001/AS9100 expectations), write time-bound findings, and verify closure.

• Supplier Performance Management: Maintain scorecards (PPM, OTD, SCAR cycle time, audit findings) and lead monthly supplier reviews with action plans.

Technical Ownership

• Spec Literacy—Finishes & Tests: Interpret/apply specs such as ASTM A967/AMS2700 (passivation), MIL-A-8625 (anodize), MIL-DTL-16232 (phosphate), MIL-DTL-13924 (black oxide); thickness/adhesion/test methods (e.g., ASTM D7091/B499/B568, B571/D3359). Awareness of NADCAP expectations for special processes.

• Manufacturing & Metrology: Strong grasp of CNC manufacturing, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), fixturing; comfortable with CMM reports, surface roughness, XRF thickness, hardness/microhardness, and basic metallographic checks.

• APQP/PPAP (or AS9145): Plan and execute Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA/GR&R, capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and FAI (AS9102) where applicable.

• Nonconformance Management: Review/disposition supplier NCRs; escalate to SCARs and coach suppliers through effective 8D with verified root cause.

• Continuous Improvement & Cost: Where appropriate, drive CI, Design for Manufacturability (DFM) inputs, and vendor cost‐reduction projects without compromising quality.

• Sourcing Partnership: Work with Procurement on sourcing decisions, dual-source risk, capacity recovery, and supplier development roadmaps.

• Travel: Visit supplier sites (primarily New England and North America) for audits, launch support, and issue resolution.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years in Supplier Quality, Special Process Quality, or closely related role in precision manufacturing (firearms, aerospace/defense, medical devices, or equivalent).

• Demonstrated experience building and sustaining supplier quality systems: manuals, flow-downs, audit programs, ASL, incoming inspection, SCAR workflows, and performance scorecards.

• Hands-on with APQP/PPAP (or AS9145), Control Plans, PFMEA, MSA/GR&R, capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), and AS9102 FAI.

• Proven audit capability (process & system) to ISO 9001/AS9100 expectations; able to write crisp, time-bound findings and confirm effectiveness.

• Deep spec literacy for finishes and conversion coatings and the associated test methods referenced above.

• Proficiency with GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and reading complex drawings; comfort with CMM reports and common metrology tools.

• Strong problem-solving skills (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and data literacy (Pareto, trend analyses, control charts).

Nice-to-Have

• Lead Auditor certification (ISO 9001 or AS9100), ASQ CQE/CQA.

• Experience with NADCAP special process audits (awareness level acceptable).

• Working knowledge of ERP/MES/QMS (e.g., Epicor) and statistical tools (e.g., Minitab).

• Exposure to NDT methods, plating, heat treat, or other special processes.

Education

• BS in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering (or related) or equivalent practical experience.

Tools & Systems

• QMS/ERP (e.g., Epicor) for ASL, incoming inspection, NCRs/SCARs, supplier portals.

• Statistical tools for MSA/GR&R and capability (e.g., Minitab).

• Metrology & finish verification: CMM, profilometer, XRF, hardness/microhardness, adhesion/thickness test kits.

• Document control for SQM, VRS, flow-down templates, audit checklists, PPAP/FAI packages.

Success Metrics 

• PPM reduction and sustained OTD > target for strategic suppliers.

• SCAR cycle time and recurrence rate trending down; robust root cause quality.

• Audit closure on-time, with verified effectiveness.

• 95% right-first-time PPAP/FAI submissions from suppliers.

• Clear, current SQM/VRS and PO flow-downs used on every buy.

• Effective incoming inspection (risk-based, low escapes, efficient throughput).

Rate: $95,000 – 115,000

5–8+ years in Supplier Quality, Special Process Quality, or closely related role in precision manufacturing (firearms, aerospace/defense, medical devices, or equivalent). Hands-on with APQP/PPAP and is required.