Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for driving supplier quality excellence by qualifying and developing suppliers, assuring incoming-part quality, resolving supplier-related nonconformities, and using data and preventive quality methods to improve reliability across Makino Asia's supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Management

• Manage assigned supplier quality performance and act as the primary quality contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier defect trends, Vendor Quality Index (VQI), and supplier performance metrics.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives and corrective action plans.
• Communicate quality requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteria to suppliers.

Incoming Quality Assurance

• Support incoming inspections, including First Article, sampling inspections, and 100% inspections based on quality risk.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, supplier reports, and inspection records.
• Coordinate non-conforming material control, quality notifications, and disposition activities.
• Support CMM and manual inspection activities to meet production requirements.

Supplier Qualification, Audit & Development

• Participate in supplier qualification, capability assessments, process validation, and sample approval activities.
• Conduct supplier audits and source inspections, and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
• Develop suppliers through coaching, quality improvement initiatives, and defect prevention activities.
• Support supplier performance reviews with Supply Chain Management and Purchasing teams.

Non-Conformance & CAPA and Field Support

• Investigate supplier-related quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Review and verify supplier containment and corrective action effectiveness.
• Provide technical support for production issues, warranty claims, and recurring quality concerns.
• Drive preventive actions and continuous improvement measures to reduce quality risks.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using quality data and analytics to enhance supplier performance and product reliability.
• Lead or support Kaizen, standardization, digitalization, and quality improvement projects.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Assembly, and regional teams to resolve quality issues and strengthen supplier performance.
• Promote best practice sharing and alignment of supplier quality standards across Makino locations.

Technical Leadership & Reporting

• Provide technical guidance and coaching to engineers, technicians, and inspectors on supplier quality, inspection methods, and problem-solving techniques.
• Prepare and present supplier quality reports, performance metrics, trend analyses, and improvement updates to management.
• Maintain accurate quality records and ensure compliance with company procedures, ISO standards, quality policies, and EHS requirements.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or equivalent.
• Candidates with relevant engineering diplomas and substantial industry experience are encouraged to apply.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Quality, or Incoming Quality Control.
• Experience in precision engineering, machine tools, industrial equipment, automotive, aerospace, or related manufacturing industries preferred.
• Proven experience in supplier auditing, supplier development, and corrective action management.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across Engineering, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Production, and Quality functions.
• Strong understanding of Supplier Quality Management Systems, quality assurance methodologies, and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, and inspection requirements.
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving and root cause analysis tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, Pareto Analysis, and FMEA.
• Hands-on experience using quality inspection and precision measurement equipment, including CMM, vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges, hardness testers, and other measuring instruments.