Supplier Quality and Performance Engineer

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

The Supplier Quality & Performance Engineer will independently manage supplier qualification, part approval and ongoing supplier development activities. This position serves as a key technical liaison between suppliers, Strategic Sourcing, Engineering and Operations to ensure product quality, compliance, and supplier capability. The individual in this position will lead audits, drive corrective actions, and implement proactive supplier quality strategies.

What You Will Do At Graco

Supplier and Part Qualification & Onboarding

• Lead supplier qualification activities, including technical capability reviews, capacity analysis and certification verification
• Conduct on-site supplier audits for both new and existing suppliers and generate comprehensive audit reports
• Develop proactive quality plans with New Product Development teams using APQP methodologies
• Facilitate and lead supplier design review meetings, ensuring alignment to product specifications
• Lead part approval and qualification processes (PPAP/FAI or equivalent) including requirement communication, documentation review, measurement disposition and resolution of discrepancies
• Serve as a key decision-maker in supplier readiness for production release
  
  

Quality Resolution and Monitoring

• Own supplier quality performance monitoring, including analysis of metrics, reporting and trend identification
• Create and drive corrective action requests (SCARs) and validate the effectiveness of supplier responses
• Lead supplier-related presentations in divisional quality meetings
• Investigate and resolve Non-Conformance Reports, escalating systemic issues to leadership as needed
• Collaborate with product service teams to resolve warranty and customer complaint issues
  
  

Supplier Development and Continuous Improvement

• Participate in supplier business reviews and lead quality discussions
• Participate in supplier capability analysis and recommend improvements to supplier
• Create and monitor supplier development plans and ensure effectiveness of solutions
• Partner with Sourcing Commodity teams to identify suppliers with development potential and track progress against agreed-upon improvement plans
• Provide training and assistance to suppliers and purchasing personnel on Graco supplier quality requirements including print and Graco/Industry standard interpretation
• Adhere to the established supplier quality related procedures and work instructions
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Ability to travel 15-20%
  
  

What You Will Bring To Graco

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with 3 years quality, manufacturing, engineering or supplier quality/development support position
• 3 years of experience in manufacturing, quality or supply chain
• Strong knowledge of supplier and regulatory compliance standards (ISO, AS, ITAR, REACH, RoHS, PFAS, etc.)
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track multiple deadlines and follow up proactively
• Excellent communication skills for professional interaction with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP or supplier management systems preferred
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management systems, such as Teamcenter
• Proven experience leading PPAP/FAI and supplier audits
• Proficient in quality tools such as Assessments FMEA, Problem solving, Root-Cause Analysis, Corrective Action, Mistake Proofing and Process Control
• Strong ability to understand and interpret detailed documents and engineering drawings
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with curiosity to learn and develop technical expertise
• Ability to balance day-to-day execution with longer-term development initiatives
  
  

Accelerators

• Manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of casting and injection molding processes
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance knowledge
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing Certified
  
  

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.

$64,200.00 - $112,400.00