Supplier Quality Engineer

Tuscaloosa, AL

Position Summary

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to support supplier quality performance, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This position serves as the primary quality liaison between SMP and assigned suppliers, ensuring purchased materials and components consistently meet quality, delivery, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier quality performance through audits, scorecards, KPI reviews, and supplier development activities.
• Lead supplier APQP activities, PPAP approvals, and launch readiness assessments.
• Drive supplier corrective actions utilizing structured problem-solving methods including 8D, 5 Why, PFMEA, SPC, and MSA.
• Conduct supplier process and quality system audits in accordance with IATF 16949 and VDA standards.
• Support supplier sourcing, qualification, onboarding, and risk assessment activities.
• Coordinate containment activities and issue resolution for supplier-related quality concerns impacting production or customers.
• Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Customer Quality teams to ensure supplier performance objectives are achieved.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction, process capability, and supplier performance enhancement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related automotive quality role.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
• Experience working within an IATF 16949-certified manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• 5 years of automotive supplier quality experience.
• VDA 6.3 Auditor Certification.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification.
• Experience supporting OEM or Tier 1 automotive customers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of automotive quality systems and customer requirements.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, AIAG Core Tools, and VDA standards.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality management systems.

Travel Requirements

• Domestic and international travel up to 50% may be required.

Benefits

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Advancement Opportunities within a Global Automotive Organization

In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, SMP provides a collaborative work environment focused on safety, quality, continuous improvement, and employee development.

Why Join SMP?

At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you'll be part of a global automotive supplier committed to innovation, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and the chance to make a direct impact on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer.