Contract Quality Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Supplier Quality Engineer II

Maple Grove, MN | Contract | $50/hr - $60/hr

Konik is partnering with a leading manufacturing organization seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer II to support supplier performance, product quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will work closely with suppliers, Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Quality teams to ensure materials and components meet customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience in supplier quality, manufacturing, engineering, or quality assurance environments and will be comfortable working directly with suppliers to identify issues, implement corrective actions, and drive measurable improvements. This position offers the opportunity to influence supplier performance, support new product initiatives, and improve quality processes across a global supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage supplier quality plans using risk-based analysis and quality improvement strategies.
• Support supplier qualification, approval, and performance management processes.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance with quality requirements and company standards.
• Lead investigations into supplier-related quality issues, including root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action implementation.
• Identify non-conforming materials and workmanship issues and partner with suppliers to develop effective solutions.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on supplier performance, product quality, and cost of quality.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Service, and Regulatory teams on supplier changes, new product introductions, and product transfers.
• Participate in engineering design reviews to ensure quality requirements are incorporated early in the product lifecycle.
• Monitor supplier metrics, quality data, and performance trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide technical support to suppliers and internal manufacturing teams to ensure products meet specifications, standards, and customer requirements.
• Prepare quality reports, audit documentation, inspection findings, and corrective action records.
• Travel to supplier locations as needed to support audits, troubleshooting, and quality initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, design, supply chain, quality, or regulatory assurance.
• Experience supporting supplier quality activities within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to analyze quality data, identify trends, and drive process improvements.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Experience with quality systems and manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ISO 9000 quality systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification or interest in obtaining certification.
• APICS CPIM or CSCP certification.
• Advanced degree in Engineering or Business.
• Experience supporting global suppliers or international manufacturing operations.

Additional Role Details

• Supplier-facing role with approximately 45%+ travel, including potential international travel.
• Opportunity to influence supplier performance and quality improvements across a complex manufacturing environment.
• Requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

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Konik is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been a leader in the technical staffing industry for more than 50 years, providing the fastest and easiest link between employees and employers. Konik has specialized in placing professional, qualified personnel in Minnesota and western Wisconsin businesses since its inception and maintains a strong commitment to customer service.