Senior Principal Supplier Quality Engineer
Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Principal Supplier Quality Engineer
Summary
The Principal Supplier Quality Engineer serves as the primary interface between leadership and the supplier base, ensuring supplier quality performance meets company and customer standards. This role partners cross-functionally with Procurement, Engineering, Operations, and Manufacturing to drive supplier qualification, compliance, audits, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute the supplier quality strategy aligned with business objectives
- Integrate supplier quality initiatives into NPI, alternate sourcing, and production activities
- Establish and maintain robust supplier selection, qualification, and performance management processes, including KPIs, NCRs, defect trends, and customer complaints
- Analyze supplier performance data to identify trends and drive corrective and preventive actions
- Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and process capability evaluations for critical-to-quality features
- Partner with suppliers to resolve quality issues, implement root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement
- Define and enforce FAI requirements and AQL sampling plans
- Train suppliers on quality expectations and promote a zero-defect mindset
- Support MRB activities as required
Required Skills
- Strong understanding of mechanical and electromechanical drawings (GD&T, schematics)
- Proficiency with quality tools (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, Kepner-Tregoe) and SPC methodologies
- Familiarity with DFM/DFA, cost reduction, and manufacturing processes
- Ability to interpret CMM reports and use standard mechanical inspection tools
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
Experience Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in Quality, Supplier Quality, or Manufacturing Engineering
- Experience in electromechanical or robotics-related industries; semiconductor experience a plus
- Experience working within ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, or similar QMS environments
- Demonstrated experience conducting internal and supplier audits
- Experience with Minitab or similar statistical software preferred
- Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks) is a plus
- Ability to present findings and recommendations to executive leadership
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline
- Certifications such as CSQP, CQA, or Six Sigma preferred
Additional Requirements
- On-site position, 5 days per week
- Up to 40% travel (local, domestic, and international)
Salary range, $135k to $165k
It is the policy of GCR to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. GCR is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population.
Company DescriptionGCR Professional Services is an engineering and information technology staffing firm (direct-hire, consultants, contract-to-hire).
Company Description
GCR Professional Services is an engineering and information technology staffing firm (direct-hire, consultants, contract-to-hire).