Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer exists to ensure that components and assemblies received from INFICON’s supplier base conform to engineering requirements and to minimize the impact of supplier-related quality escapes on production and customers. The role advances INFICON’s supplier quality program by managing corrective actions, supplier scorecards, and MRB dispositions, while also providing mechanical quality engineering support on the production floor and conducting periodic supplier audits to drive sustainable improvements across the supply chain. Essential Job Duties Specific duties include, but are not necessarily limited to: Discrepancy Triage, Disposition, and MRB Management • Disposition nonconforming incoming and production material; determine accept-as-is, rework, or return-to-vendor (RTV) outcomes in coordination with the MRB coordinator and sourcing team. • Outline and document rework instructions for material that can be salvaged; communicate dispositions clearly to production technicians and supervisors. • Collaborate with inspectors to ensure consistent and complete MRB documentation in SAP. • Coordinate with the MRB coordinator on RTV ticket initiation, tracking, and closure. Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) Investigations • Lead 8D investigations for significant quality escapes originating from suppliers or internal production processes. • Apply structured problem-solving tools (5-Why, fishbone, fault trees) to identify and document verified root causes. • Develop robust corrective action plans and drive closure through follow-up verification and effectiveness checks. • Partner with electrical quality engineers when issues span mechanical and electrical domains. Supplier Quality Program Management • Issue, track, and formally close Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) in accordance with INFICON's corrective action process. • Maintain and continuously improve supplier scorecards tracking key metrics including Project portfolio management, on-time delivery (OTD), and SCAR response timeliness. • Collaborate with the sourcing team to address chronic underperforming suppliers and escalate where necessary. • Maintain supplier quality program documentation including procedures, approved supplier lists, and quality agreements. Production Floor Quality Support • Provide responsive quality support to production technicians and supervisors for build and test quality issues. • Perform containment activities to minimize production line stoppages caused by nonconforming material. • Identify and escalate systemic process quality issues to prevent recurrence. • Act as a liaison between production and engineering to communicate quality feedback on assemblies and components. Statistical Analysis and Continuous Improvement • Perform Statistical Process Capability (SPC) studies on current production build and test processes. • Collect and trend historical quality data from SAP and other databases to identify improvement opportunities. • Identify design and test specifications that are poorly defined or over-constrained; collaborate with Design Engineering and suppliers to refine them. • Use data to prioritize quality improvement initiatives with the greatest business impact. Supplier Quality Audits and Site Visits • Plan and conduct periodic on-site quality audits at supplier facilities to assess process capability, quality management systems, and corrective action effectiveness. • Document audit findings in formal audit reports and issue findings to suppliers for corrective action. • Track and verify closure of audit findings through follow-up communication and, where warranted, re-audit. • This role requires occasional domestic travel; supplier visits represent approximately 10% of total annual working time. Behaviors Behaviors necessary for this role include, but are not necessarily limited to: • Organized, detail-oriented, and methodical in approach to problem-solving and documentation. • Strong communicator who can build credibility and trust with production teams, engineering, sourcing, and external suppliers. • Able to manage multiple open issues simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and timeliness. • Professional and composed when managing difficult supplier conversations or quality escalations. • Proactive self-starter who identifies problems before they escalate and takes ownership of resolution. • Collaborative team player who engages effectively across all levels of the organization. Minimum Qualifications BS in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or closely related technical field 2+ years of experience in a quality engineering or manufacturing engineering role in a high-mix production environment Demonstrated knowledge of engineering drawing interpretation and GD&T Demonstrated experience leading 8D root cause and corrective action investigations Proficiency with mechanical measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, CMM interpretation) Preferred Qualifications Experience conducting supplier quality audits or second-party quality system assessments Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) methodologies and tools Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems, including MRB and purchasing workflows Experience in high cleanliness, tight tolerance, or precision manufacturing environments ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification is a plus Compensation ranges for roles at INFICON vary based on a number of factors considered in compensation decisions, including but not limited to skills, experience, training, certifications, and overall business and organizational needs. It is not typical for individuals to be hired at or near the top of the range, as compensation decisions are made based on each candidate’s unique qualifications and circumstances. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: $70,000 to $110,000 annually. In addition, INFICON employees are eligible for a profit-sharing bonus with a target of 10% as well as 401K match up to 8% (vesting schedule). The actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. INFICON provides a dynamic work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our employees experience ongoing green initiatives, flexible work hours, and a variety of health and wellness programs. INFICON’s forward-thinking approach offers countless opportunities to design, support, and manufacture a diverse product portfolio that expands globally. Our Lean and Agile work environment offers competitive compensation, relocation assistance, a discretionary bonus, and generous employee benefits; major medical, dental, health, vision, 401K, vacation and sick time, tuition reimbursement, and more! INFICON is committed to ensuring that our online application process provides an equal opportunity to all job seekers that apply without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, gender, age, protected veteran status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. A notice describing Federal equal employment opportunity laws is available here to reaffirm this commitment. Any contact that would like to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact . INFICON, Inc. strictly complies with all aspects of the Export Administration Regulations ('EAR'), including those sections dealing with deemed exports to foreign nationals. INFICON is a leading provider of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and Smart Manufacturing/Industry 4.0 software solutions that enhance productivity and quality of tools, processes, and complete factories. These analysis, measurement and control products are essential for gas leak detection in air conditioning/refrigeration and automotive manufacturing. They are vital to equipment manufacturers and end-users in the complex fabrication of semiconductors and thin film coatings for optics, flat panel displays, solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of our vacuum-based processes include the life sciences, research, aerospace, packaging, heat treatment, laser cutting and many other industrial processes. We also leverage our expertise in vacuum technology to provide unique, toxic chemical analysis products for emergency response, security, and environmental health and safety.