Supplier Quality Technician

Supplier Quality Technician
Location: Spring Lake, MI (Travel Required)

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: Director, Strategic Sourcing & Development

About EQI

EQI is fluent in doing business around the world, so our customers don’t have to be. EQI sources metal castings, forgings, and fabrications from carefully selected suppliers around the globe. EQI manages every aspect of the product life-cycle -- from Product Development to Production Qualification to Logistics / Vendor Managed Inventory Services -- letting its customers choose specific services and locations to meet their specific needs. The metal components we specialize in are sourced from more than two dozen carefully selected manufacturers across China, India, Vietnam and the North America. By diversifying our supply base across several manufacturers and regions and offering redundant tooling locations, EQI mitigates risks and maximizes the flexibility to shift production from one location to another. EQI ships to and from multiple ports around the world, supporting our customers with full vendor-managed inventory services at the end location.

Essential Functions

Supplier Quality Assurance & Management

• Perform product inspections and review quality documentation, including dimensional reports, certifications, and inspection records, to verify conformance to drawings and customer requirements.
• Conduct segregation, inspection, containment, and physical rework activities as necessary to ensure delivery of conforming products to customers.
• Assist with First Article Inspections (FAI), PPAP submissions, process validations, supplier qualification activities, audits, and ongoing supplier performance evaluations.
• Partner with suppliers to improve manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and quality controls to reduce defects and enhance product quality.

Nonconformance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate supplier quality issues and perform root cause analysis utilizing methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and 8D problem solving.
• Coordinate Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), ensuring timely implementation, verification, and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to improve process capability, reduce variation, and prevent recurring quality issues.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Manufacturing, customers, and suppliers to support quality objectives and resolve issues affecting production or customer satisfaction.
• Maintain supplier quality records, audit reports, corrective actions, and performance metrics in accordance with quality management system requirements.
• Prepare and communicate supplier quality performance reports, trends, risks, and improvement opportunities to management and stakeholders.
• Support new product launches, supplier onboarding activities, and customer, internal, or supplier audits.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the EQI Management Team.

Position Requirements

The individual must be able to:

• Travel throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico up to 40-60% of the time for supplier audits, quality investigations, process reviews, supplier development activities, and customer support.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, tolerancing, and quality requirements.
• Work in manufacturing and industrial environments, including standing, walking, inspecting processes, and evaluating products for extended periods.
• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines with strong organizational and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, quality assurance, or metal product inspection within industries utilizing casting, forging, machining, finishing, fabrication, or coating processes.
• Hands-on experience inspecting and evaluating metal products within aerospace, automotive, agricultural, industrial, energy, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or similar quality management systems.
• Working knowledge of PPAP, APQP, FMEA, Control Plans, Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT), Certified Quality Inspector (CQI), or equivalent quality certification preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well‑being, growth, and success of our employees. Highlights include:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to support the health needs of employees and their families.
• 401(k) with Company Match: Competitive retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions to help employees build long‑term financial security.
• Flexible, Unlimited Paid Time Off: An unlimited PTO policy designed to promote work–life balance and allow employees the flexibility they need for rest, personal time, and family commitments.
• Positive and Collaborative Work Environment: A culture that values teamwork, integrity, continuous improvement, and open communication.
• Wellness Programs: Access to a range of wellness initiatives that promote physical and mental well‑being including an EAP program and options for maintaining a healthy lifestyle with gym reimbursement
• Global Growth Opportunities: The chance to work for and grow with an expanding international organization, with exposure to global teams, perspectives, and career development pathways.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic. Applicants needing accommodations during the interview process may request them by phone or email.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $82,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $82,000