Contract Staff Supplier Quality Engineer, Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Supplier Quality Engineer will play a critical role in ensuring new products transition seamlessly from development/pilot line into full‑scale production within an ISO 9001 cleanroom environment. This hybrid role blends Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Engineering responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on APQP, PPAP, risk mitigation, and early supplier engagement. The ideal candidate will drive supplier readiness, process capability, and product quality throughout the entire NPD-to-NPI product lifecycle. 

Key Responsibilities 

New Product Development → NPI Ownership 

• Lead supplier quality and manufacturing readiness activities from concept through product launch. 

• Drive APQP deliverables including PFMEA, control plans, process flow diagrams, MSA/Gage R&R, and capability studies to support Product Life Cycle (PLC) readiness. 

• Manage PPAP submissions for new components, assemblies, and critical processes. 

• Partner with R&D, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure design manufacturability and robust process controls prior to release. 

• Identify and mitigate risks early using structured tools (DFMEA/PFMEA, risk registers, control plans, etc.). 

Hybrid Manufacturing Engineering / Quality Engineering Responsibilities 

• Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes and equipment to ensure capability, repeatability, and scalability. 

• Support process development, qualification, and validation activities at suppliers and contract manufacturers. 

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier issues using 8D/4D or similar methodologies. 

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance yield, reduce defects, and improve process robustness. 

• Support build readiness for engineering builds, pilot runs/lines, and ramp-up phases. 

Supplier Quality & Operational Excellence 

• Develop and execute supplier audit plans focused on QMS maturity, process capability, and NPI readiness. 

• Ensure supplier compliance with quality agreements, specifications, and change control requirements. 

• Manage PCNs and ensure proper validation and risk assessment for any supplier-driven changes. 

• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs and scorecards; lead improvement plans where needed. 

• Facilitate technical reviews, supplier meetings, and QBRs to ensure alignment and accountability. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Work closely with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure smooth product introduction. 

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams and suppliers on manufacturability, quality standards, and process controls. 

• Ensure complete documentation of processes, validation results, and quality records throughout the NPI cycle. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Optics, Physics, or related). 

• 7–10 years of experience in a technology or advanced manufacturing environment. 

• 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or NPI engineering. 

• Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA/Gage R&R, SPC, and structured problem-solving. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field. 

• Experience in semiconductor, capital equipment, or high-precision manufacturing environments. 

• Background in metrology or complex electromechanical systems. 

• Lean/Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt), Quality Auditor certification. 

• Strong data analysis, project management, and communication skills. 

• Experience supporting remote suppliers and global manufacturing sites. 

Job Requirements 

• Full-time role based in Bloomington, MN. 

• Ability to support global suppliers across time zones. 

• Travel 15–25%.