Supplier Quality Engineer at Chandler Industries LLC – Blaine, Minnesota

Chandler Industries is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in precision machining, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, and a range of value-added services. We excel in providing exceptional value through responsive customer service, technical expertise, and innovative lean manufacturing practices. Our commitment to delivering world-class quality and on-time performance has made us a trusted partner for our customers. Chandler operates five divisions, including four in Minnesota—Blaine, Long Prairie, Montevideo, and Wyoming—and one in Chihuahua, Mexico.

The Supplier Quality Engineer performs analysis, identifies trends, manages non-conformance and corrective actions and implements improvements in Chandler’s supply chain. Communicates and eliminates supplier defects, non-conformities, problems or other issues affecting the quality or reliability of Chandler products. Also develops testing methods for use in analysis of company products and statistical techniques for analysis of test data.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess supplier capability, capacity, and quality systems for current and potential work, including review of dimensional capability data, control plans, and process flows.
• Initiate, track, and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs); partner with cross-functional teams to drive complete root cause analysis and verified corrective action closure.
• Lead non-conformance investigations for incoming material defects; apply GD&T and precision measurement knowledge to evaluate dimensional and functional discrepancies.
• Disposition non-conforming supplier material (use-as-is, rework, return to supplier, scrap) and communicate containment status to internal stakeholders.
• Manage supplier deviation and change requests, evaluating risk and obtaining appropriate approvals.
• Monitor and trend supplier quality performance metrics; prepare periodic scorecards and program reports; drive action plans for underperforming suppliers.
• Develop and implement supplier improvement initiatives targeting scrap reduction, process capability improvement, and escape prevention.
• Assist suppliers in developing Zero-Defect Plans and implementing robust inspection and process controls aligned with Chandler and customer requirements.
• Provide supplier coaching and education on quality systems, GD&T, measurement methodology, documentation practices, and customer-specific requirements (CSRs).
• Manage supplier asset controls, including disposition of obsolete inventory.
• Assist suppliers with technical data packages (TDPs), First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements, and PPAP submissions
• Serve as the primary supplier quality interface between Chandler’s internal quality, engineering, purchasing, and operations teams.
• Keep management and internal departments informed of supplier performance trends, open issues, and ongoing improvement projects.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with supplier quality contacts at all levels.
• Implement new supplier transitions and supply chain improvement projects in partnership with purchasing and operations.
• Other activities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a quality assurance function within a regulated Manufacturing environment.
• Proficient reading, writing, oral communication, and comprehension in English language.
• Knowledge and working experience with MS Office, (Word, Excel, Power-Point, Project).
• Knowledge in the application of Quality Systems, ITAR/EAR, PPAP and AS9102 Processes.
• Advanced GD&T knowledge.
• Ability to travel approximately 50% of the time for supplier audits and on-site visits.

Preferred or helpful

• Experience using Minitab software.
• Experience using 1Factory
• Experience using EPICOR

Compensation

Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors related to the specific position. These may include skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, business needs, and local market conditions. While the full range is shared for transparency, offers are rarely made at the minimum or maximum of the range.

Chandler offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a 401(k) plan with safe harbor company match; and a range of supplemental benefit options. In addition, eligible employees receive paid holidays and paid time off.