Supplier Quality Engineer - Cleveland, OH

COMPANY OVERVIEW: · Founded in 1953 Avtron has a long history of manufacturing market leading power test solutions. Now with a global footprint and sales into some of the largest industrial projects, Avtron will continue to push the envelope of what's possible in the electrical t ...

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Founded in 1953 Avtron has a long history of manufacturing market leading power test solutions. Now with a global footprint and sales into some of the largest industrial projects, Avtron will continue to push the envelope of what's possible in the electrical test environment. Avtron Power Solutions manufacture and distribute market leading load bank solutions for mission critical applications. We have the largest portfolio in the industry and can meet the highest load testing standards with our intelligent SIGMA load bank control system.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that purchased materials, components, and services meet established quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role works closely with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross‑functional teams to drive continuous improvement, reduce defects, and enhance overall supply chain quality performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supplier Management & Development

• Evaluate and approve new suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations.
• Maintain and monitor the Approved Supplier List (ASL) based on performance metrics and compliance
• Partner with suppliers to develop robust corrective and preventive action plans (CAPA)
• Lead supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Establish incoming material quality standards, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria
• Ensure supplier processes comply with industry standards (ISO 9001) and regulatory requirements
• Review and approve supplier PPAPs, FAI documents, and other qualification packages
• Support change control activities, including review and approval of supplier process changes

Issue Resolution

• Lead root cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA) for supplier-related nonconformances
• Manage supplier corrective action requests and verify effectiveness of implemented solutions
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to resolve quality issues impacting operations

Continuous Improvement

• Collect and analyze supplier performance data (PPM, OTD, NCR trends)
• Identify opportunities to reduce cost of poor quality (COPQ) and improve supply chain capability
• Support lean initiatives and quality improvement projects within supplier operations

Essential Functions:

• Support the Supply Chan Management function with quality support of current supply base and new supplier on-boarding
• Perform scheduled Compliance and Surveillance Quality Audits of Suppliers and provide Process Improvement Recommendations as a result of these audits
• Work with suppliers to analyze process related non-conformances for root causes, establish corrective actions and implement them for continuous improvement
• Disposition of Supplier related non-conforming parts or assemblies found at receiving and/or in process inspection during the manufacturing process

• Develop and maintain a data collection system and provide data analysis of supplier related nonconformances for the purpose of supporting First Time Right Supplier metrics

• Partner with Engineering in recommending Engineering Changes

• Participate in new process implementation, and process validation
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by management

Additional Responsibilities:

• Staff position with responsibilities for engineering guideline interpretation. Provide technical quality recommendations to all levels of management and personnel including engineers, designers, technicians and inspectors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or process engineering.
• Experience with quality tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, RCA.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 or other applicable quality management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to travel to supplier locations (10–30%, depending on business need).

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in load bank, electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical device, or similar industries.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and quality management software.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or similar) or equivalent experience, training and background

Competencies / Skills

• Technical acumen – deep understanding of manufacturing and quality engineering principles.
• Leadership – able to influence supplier performance without direct authority.
• Attention to detail – strong documentation, auditing, and analytical capability.
• Problem solving – ability to resolve complex issues quickly and sustainably.
• Collaboration – works effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good Communication Skills – communicate with other departments, vendors, customers and others.
• Performs analysis to develop or modify and improve existing processes. Customer requirements or corporate direction may influence these decisions. Must be able to make recommendations on the most effective course of action to be taken, develop a plan based on these decisions and have the ability to present the same in a professional manner.
• Review and analyze current as well as new processes to uncover potential problems and determine alternates. Review and analyze requirements to produce a product that meets the industry standards, is acceptable to customer, within budgetary requirements and acceptable in product appearance.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and depth perception.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience

• Experience in Root Cause Failure Analysis Techniques.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the current ISO 9001Quality Management System and implementation to include; Auditing, Process Mapping, Supplier Controls, etc. a must.
• Have the ability to learn and use the ASCO Business Computer Systems.
• Five years of experience in the field of Quality Engineering preferred.
• A strong background in Failure Mode & Effects Analysis, (FMEA)

COMPUTER SKILLS:

• Must be computer literate and have a working knowledge in all Microsoft Applications.

Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, bend, and reach throughout the workday
• May handle materials and products and operate material handling equipment
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Vision requirements include close vision, color vision, and depth perception

This position operates primarily in a manufacturing environment and requires regular presence on the production floor. The role involves a combination of standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and light to moderate physical activity throughout the workday.

Duties may include handling materials and products, operating material handling equipment, and working around moving equipment, noise, and varying temperatures typical of a manufacturing or warehouse setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

The position requires adherence to all safety requirements, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as applicable, and may require schedule flexibility to support operational and customer needs.