Quality Engineer

SL Tennessee is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to strengthen supplier performance and help ensure the quality, reliability, and consistency of purchased materials and components. This role works across the supply chain and in close partnership with suppliers and internal teams to prevent quality issues, support product launches, and drive continuous improvement.
About The Company
SL Tennessee works with suppliers and cross-functional teams to support manufacturing quality and business objectives. The company values effective collaboration, sound engineering practices, and consistent quality throughout its operations. In this role, you will contribute to supplier development and help maintain the standards required by the company, its customers, and applicable quality management systems.
About The Role
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) manages supplier quality activities from qualification and product launch through ongoing performance improvement. Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will assess supplier capabilities, establish clear quality expectations, and address issues that could affect production or customers. You will collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Production, Logistics, incoming inspection, and customers to resolve concerns and reduce supply chain risk. The role combines office-based work with supplier and manufacturing-site evaluations, and may require domestic or international travel.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality management, or a related technical field is preferred. Candidates should have three to five years of experience in manufacturing, supplier quality, supplier development, or quality engineering. Automotive manufacturing experience is an advantage. A strong understanding of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 is expected, along with practical knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, GD&T, statistical process control (SPC), and measurement system analysis (MSA). You should be comfortable reviewing engineering documentation, supplier performance data, and quality system records.
The successful candidate brings structured problem-solving and root cause analysis skills, an understanding of manufacturing processes and process controls, and the ability to build productive supplier relationships. Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and the ability to manage multiple projects are important. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality management systems is required. You should be able to conduct supplier audits and production evaluations and work at supplier manufacturing facilities or customer locations. This position may provide direction to incoming quality inspectors and temporary sorting or containment personnel as assigned.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain supplier quality processes aligned with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer requirements, and company standards. Evaluate, qualify, audit, and monitor suppliers using assessments, scorecards, and performance metrics; communicate quality expectations; and lead improvement initiatives aimed at reducing variation and preventing defects.
Lead supplier APQP activities, review PPAP submissions, and support sourcing, qualification, validation, launch readiness, and customer launch reviews. Participate in DFMEA and PFMEA reviews to identify risks and establish appropriate controls. Conduct supplier process and quality system audits, manage nonconformances and containment, and lead root cause investigations and corrective actions using structured methodologies. Verify that corrective and preventive actions are implemented effectively and on time.
Analyze supplier performance, process capability, warranty information, and quality trends to identify improvement opportunities. Apply APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methods as appropriate. Work directly with suppliers to improve process capability, reduce defects, and support risk reduction and supplier development. Provide technical guidance on supplier quality requirements and collaborate with internal teams to resolve supplier-related concerns.
Benefits
This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable contribution to product quality, manufacturing performance, and supplier capability. You will work with cross-functional partners, engage directly with suppliers, and apply quality engineering methods to real operational challenges. Compensation, benefits, and other employment details can be discussed during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity
SL Tennessee is committed to fair and equitable employment practices. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, and business needs, without discrimination in accordance with applicable laws. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds and encourage candidates to apply.

Skills
Sourcing, Documentation

Experience
3-5 yrs

Work arrangement
Yes