Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing!

Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care.

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that suppliers meet or exceed Stratasy's quality standards and performance expectations. This position involves managing supplier quality issues, leading audits, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support new product introductions. The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer will focus on maintaining strong supplier relationships, reducing defect rates, and ensuring that all supplied materials and components meet Stratasys standards.

What Will You Be Doing

• Develop and maintain supplier quality requirements to align with Stratasys standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001:2015)
• Review supplier quality performance through KPIs, supplier scorecards, and other metrics. Identify trends and work with suppliers to address performance issues.
• Lead root cause analysis for supplier quality issues, using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively to prevent recurrence.
• Perform regular audits of supplier quality systems and manufacturing processes, both for new and existing suppliers, to assess capabilities and compliance with quality requirements.
• Participate in the qualification process for new suppliers, ensuring alignment with quality, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Engage suppliers early in the product development process to ensure quality and manufacturability considerations are incorporated into designs.
• Work with suppliers and internal engineering teams to ensure product designs are optimized for manufacturability and quality.
• Review and approve PPAP submissions, including control plans, process flow diagrams, and FMEAs
• Lead or support improvement projects focused on reducing defects, optimizing processes, and enhancing supplier quality using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Monitor and reduce the cost of poor quality associated with supplier defects. Collaborate with suppliers on corrective actions to minimize rework, scrap, and quality-related delays.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential risks within the supplier base. Implement strategies to mitigate high-risk suppliers, including developing alternative sourcing when needed.
• Manage and disposition of non-conforming materials from suppliers
• Review ECOs, deviations, contracts, drawings, routings, purchase orders, and various related production and development plans for quality requirements
• Train, coach, and mentor quality engineers as subject matter experts in key technical areas
• Review incoming supplies and finished goods from vendors to check for defects, ensure quality, and authorize the release
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Material, Manufacturing, or related field) or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5-7 years in supplier quality engineering
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies (e.g., 8D, FMEA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, SPC)
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001:2015)
• Excellent statistical/analytical skills for problem-solving with the ability to teach/coach others
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams
• Good engineering practices including documentation, engineering change control, reporting, and cost/benefit analysis
  
  

• Experience with APQP and PPAP processes
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP).
• Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Lead auditor of quality systems experience (ISO 9001:2015 or similar)
• Project management certification