Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer

Location: Waterloo, IA

Duration: 24 months

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with suppliers to quickly identify and contain quality concerns, supporting the organization's goal of achieving supplier issue containment within 24 hours.
• Lead and coordinate containment activities related to both quality and design issues to ensure timely and effective resolution.
• Initiate, monitor, and close corrective actions for recurring supplier issues that impact First Pass Yield (FPY), cause production downtime, or require significant rework and repairs.
• Manage supplier quality data, dispositions, and related actions using SAP and other quality management systems.
• Support the business unit through quality initiatives, non-conformance communication, and participation in critical operational meetings.
• Create and process purchase orders associated with supplier containment and support activities.
• Provide guidance and support to team members regarding Tactical Quality Engineering (TQE) processes and best practices.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance quality processes related to supplied components and materials.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a related engineering discipline, such as Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial, Reliability, or Design Engineering.
• At least 1 year of experience working with quality systems, databases, and engineering tools, including SAP, Windchill, RECON, Excel, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, product models, and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Technical aptitude gained through education and/or practical experience.
• Fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes and production environments.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills.
• Flexibility to adjust work hours as needed to support business operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with John Deere systems and tools such as JDSN, MC20, PDM Link, Windchill, Creo View, and Stratawise.
• Hands-on experience using measurement and inspection equipment, including calipers, micrometers, and profilometers.
• Knowledge of quality and data analysis tools such as Pareto charts, histograms, control plans, and other statistical methods.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Ability to influence stakeholders, lead initiatives, and drive results without direct authority.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Recent graduates with relevant education and a strong willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance are available to qualified candidates who meet eligibility requirements.