Quality Engineer Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Company: MS Companies

Location: West Point, Georgia

Initial contract term: 1 year (with potential extension)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Supplier Quality Engineer to provide dedicated third-party on-site supplier quality support, auditing, performance monitoring, and rapid issue resolution for manufacturing suppliers across the United States. This senior engineering role demands deep technical expertise in supplier quality management, process optimization, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and immediate response to quality/delivery disruptions to maintain stringent standards in quality, efficiency, and delivery. Strict confidentiality of supplier identities, locations, and client-provided data is mandatory (subject to signed Confidentiality Agreement). The position requires full independence in the field, 24/7 on-call availability for urgent disruptions, and exclusive dedication to this project. Initial client-specific training (1-2 weeks) is required before fieldwork begins.

Key Responsibilities:

• On-Site Supplier Quality Assessments and Visits (at least 4 days per week): Lead standard supplier visits, structured process audits, major disruption responses, or follow-up disruption visits as assigned. Engage with supplier quality and production leadership to assess key performance indicators (KPIs), including First Time Through Quality (FTTQ), Efficiency, Customer Claims/Warranty Issues, Delivery Performance (e.g., PPM), Inventory Status, Employee Turnover, Safety Incidents, and Scrap Rates.
• Advanced Process and Compliance Evaluations: Conduct in-depth technical reviews of supplier control plans, inspection agreements, and adherence to requirements. Inspect and evaluate machinery, tooling conditions, spare parts inventory, non-conforming/quarantine areas, incoming/shipping warehouses, and execute inventory quality/count audits. On-site time estimates: 4-8 hours for smaller suppliers, 8-16 hours for larger suppliers.
• Major Disruption Response and Containment Leadership: Deliver immediate engineering intervention (within 4 hours of notification) for critical quality or delivery disruptions. Direct or support containment, root cause analysis (using advanced tools such as 8D, fishbone, or similar), countermeasure development, implementation, and verification to ensure shipped parts fully meet quality and quantity standards. Available 24/7 as required.
• Disruption Follow-Up and Corrective Action Validation: Schedule and lead comprehensive reviews of supplier root cause analyses, corrective/preventive actions, and process implementation effectiveness. Perform detailed part audits, inventory counts, and long-term effectiveness verification for resolved issues (4-8 hours per visit, based on complexity).
• Reporting and Documentation:
  • Prepare and submit weekly written reports detailing suppliers visited, on-site time, data reviewed, follow-up items, and comprehensive assessments.
  • Deliver written process audit reports within 1-2 days of completion.
  • Provide real-time verbal updates, daily written summaries during major disruptions, and participate actively in status conference calls.
  • Issue end-of-visit summary reports for disruption visits, including corrective actions reviewed, verification results, and part/process audit findings.
  • Develop and submit monthly supplier visit plans; adjust dynamically as directed.
  • Compile monthly summary reports in presentation-quality format, covering suppliers visited, travel metrics, visit types/quantities, hours worked, audits conducted, countermeasures verified, results, and senior-level engineering observations/recommendations.

• Travel and On-Call Requirements: Self-manage transportation, meals, and accommodations (reimbursed at agreed rates for non-local travel). Remain reachable by mobile phone 24/7.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer or in closely related automotive/manufacturing quality roles, with significant hands-on involvement in supplier auditing, development, process improvement, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and disruption management. 
• Extensive background in automotive supplier environments or equivalent high-volume manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a closely related field; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Relevant credentials such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), ISO 9001/IATF 16949 Lead Auditor, or equivalent; strong proficiency in quality tools (e.g., APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, 8D) required.
• Location and Commitment: Reside within 20 miles of West Point, Georgia; fully dedicated to this project only. On-call 24/7 for major disruption responses.
• Expert-level technical proficiency in quality engineering, including advanced root cause analysis, process optimization, statistical methods, and effectiveness verification.
• Deep expertise in KPI analysis, control plan/inspection agreement evaluation, and structured auditing methodologies.
• Superior analytical, problem-solving, and technical communication skills for high-impact reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Proven ability to operate independently in fast-paced, high-pressure, time-critical environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, standards, and automotive supply chain practices.

This senior Supplier Quality Engineer role requires seasoned expertise to deliver reliable, high-performance supplier oversight in a critical manufacturing supply chain environment. If you bring 10+ years of relevant experience and the readiness for intensive field-based support, apply to make a direct impact on supplier quality and operational excellence.

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