Supplier Quality Engineer (Automotive Manufacturing)

About the role

Elizabethtown, KY

Our client, a global leader in automotive glass manufacturing, is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer for their Elizabethtown facility. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring that materials and components from external suppliers meet quality, performance, and regulatory standards. The position will focus on supplier performance, quality improvement, and resolving issues that could impact production, while working closely with Purchasing, Engineering, and Plant Quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier quality performance, conduct supplier audits, and support supplier qualification and approval.
• Investigate incoming material and component quality issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions and support APQP activities during new product launches.
• Partner with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, strengthen quality controls, and prevent recurring defects.
• Monitor supplier quality metrics, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to address supplier-related challenges and ensure production meets quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of quality engineering experience in automotive manufacturing, including supplier-facing responsibilities.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier corrective actions.
• Strong knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, IATF 16949, and ISO 9001.
• Experience with root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand various manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and influence supplier improvements.