Position: Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)
Location: Mount Carmel, IL
Department: Quality & Technical Services
Reports To: Director of Quality & Technical Services
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Position Summary
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for driving supplier performance, ensuring product quality, and supporting operational excellence across MotoRad’s U.S. production and supply base. This role plays a critical part in supplier development, internal production oversight, Quality Management System (QMS) ownership, ISO certification, MRB management, SCAR execution, and warranty reduction initiatives.
The SQE will act as a key liaison between suppliers, operations, and customers to ensure compliance with engineering, quality, and regulatory standards while building a robust, sustainable quality system that drives continuous improvement and reduces field failures.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier Quality Management
- Monitor supplier performance (Warranty, defects, response time).
- Lead supplier audits, qualification, and ongoing reviews.
- Ensure compliance to drawings, specifications, and validation requirements.
- Drive supplier continuous improvement and defect prevention.
- SCAR Management (Supplier Corrective Action Requests)
- Own SCAR process from issuance through closure.
- Enforce robust root cause analysis.
- Review/approve 8D responses and verify effectiveness of actions.
- Track SCAR metrics and escalate repeat or delayed issues.
- Quality Management System (QMS) Management
- Develop, implement, and maintain the site QMS.
- Maintain core processes (document control, CAPA, audits, nonconformance).
- Ensure alignment with ISO 9001 requirements.
- Lead internal audits and drive closure of findings.
- Production Line Oversight (U.S. Operations)
- Provide quality oversight for internal production and assembly lines.
- Maintain process controls, inspection plans, and work instructions.
- Support new line launches and process validation.
- Drive corrective actions for in-process quality issues.
- ISO Implementation & Certification
- Lead ISO 9001 certification efforts.
- Prepare for and support external audits.
- Maintain compliance through audits and corrective actions.
- Drive continuous improvement aligned with ISO standards.
- Material Review Board (MRB) Management
- Lead MRB activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
- Coordinate containment and corrective actions.
- Analyze trends and drive systemic improvements.
- Minimize production and customer impact.
- Warranty Reduction & Field Quality
- Analyze warranty data and identify failure trends.
- Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions.
- Support customer claims with technical analysis.
- Drive initiatives to reduce warranty cost and recurrence.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field preferred.
- 3–7+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or SQE role.
- Experience building or managing a Quality Management System (QMS) strongly preferred.
- Experience building or managing an ISO strongly preferred.
- Automotive or aftermarket experience strongly preferred.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of QMS principles and ISO 9001 standards (IATF 16949 a plus).
- Direct experience managing SCARs and leading 8D corrective actions.
- Proficient in root cause analysis tools (5 Why, Fishbone, etc.).
- Understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with validation, testing, and quality documentation (FAI, DVP&R).
Core Competencies
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to build structure in a developing environment (process creation mindset).
- Excellent communication and supplier management skills.
- Hands-on, “go to the floor” mindset with strong attention to detail.
- Results-driven with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Supplier PPM and defect reduction
- SCAR closure time, aging, and effectiveness (recurrence rate)
- QMS implementation milestones and audit performance
- Internal scrap and rework reduction
- MRB cycle time and repeat issues
- Warranty rate reduction and cost savings
- ISO certification and audit results
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MotoRad is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
