Supplier Quality Engineer in Ashland, Massachusetts at Kidde-Fenwal LLC

Supplier Quality Engineer

Onsite- Ashland, MA

About KiddeFenwal

KiddeFenwal is a global leader in industrial and commercial fire suppression systems and safety controls. Through our trusted brands, Kidde Fire Systems, Kidde Fire Protection, and Fenwal Controls, we protect lives, property, and critical assets worldwide. Headquartered in Ashland, Massachusetts, with operations across the United States, United Kingdom, and India, we are committed to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering customer-focused solutions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to join our quality organization and take ownership of supplier quality performance across a range of mechanical and electronic components. This position will work closely with suppliers, Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to qualify new suppliers and components, resolve quality issues, and drive improvements in supplier performance.

The role offers significant hands-on responsibility and autonomy, with approximately 80% of the position focused on supplier quality engineering and supplier development and 20% supporting incoming inspection and First Article Inspection (FAI) activities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with suppliers and internal engineering and manufacturing teams, investigate complex quality problems, implement corrective actions, and help establish robust processes for new and existing suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification and approval activities, including evaluation of supplier capabilities and coordination of required quality documentation.
• Coordinate quality requirements for new components and suppliers, including First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, process qualification, Control Plans, and related quality documentation.
• Manage supplier quality issues identified through incoming inspection, manufacturing operations, and other internal sources.
• Lead root cause investigations and work with suppliers to implement effective corrective and preventive actions using 8D or equivalent problem-solving methodologies.
• Evaluate nonconforming material, assess potential product impact, and coordinate containment and corrective actions with suppliers and internal teams.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and develop supplier KPIs, including DPPM, nonconformance trends, corrective action performance, and supplier scorecards.
• Identify underperforming suppliers and work collaboratively with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve quality performance and reduce defect rates.
• Support supplier development and continuous improvement activities, including process improvement, defect prevention, and risk reduction.
• Support the qualification and transition of alternate suppliers and components, ensuring applicable quality requirements are established and verified.
• Perform and support First Article Inspections and incoming inspection activities, including review of engineering drawings, specifications, inspection results, and dimensional requirements.
• Utilize precision measuring equipment and inspection techniques to evaluate components, including calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, CMMs, and vision systems, as applicable.
• Utilize ERP systems, Excel, and engineering/drawing databases to review information, maintain quality records, and process transactions.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and other internal functions to resolve supplier quality issues and establish effective quality requirements.
• Maintain appropriate supplier quality records and documentation in accordance with the company's Quality Management System.
• Work independently to manage assigned supplier quality activities and drive timely resolution of quality issues.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, process quality, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Working knowledge of dimensional inspection and precision measuring equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, CMMs, or vision systems.
• Experience investigating manufacturing or supplier quality issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methods, including 8D or equivalent methodologies.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple quality issues, and effectively collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and willingness to learn ERP and other quality management systems.

Preferred:

• Experience with supplier quality engineering or supplier development.
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Gauge R&R.
• Experience with machined, cast, forged, sheet metal, or other manufactured components.
• Experience performing or supporting First Article Inspections.
• Familiarity with ANSI, ASTM, ASME, or other applicable engineering standards.
• Experience with ERP systems and engineering/drawing management databases.
• Experience working in an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KiddeFenwal is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.