Supplier Quality Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an exceptional Supplier Quality to join our growing Supply Chain team.

About the job

Are you passionate about turning ideas into reality, embracing ownership, and working at the forefront of connectivity? Join viaPhoton and be part of a culture that thrives on fearless innovation, teamwork, and continuous growth, where learning, unlearning, and relearning are part of the journey.

This dynamic role offers significant ownership and responsibility. We’re looking for individuals who excel in environments where their contributions make an impact, are hungry to learn, and are energized by meaningful work that drives company growth while accelerating their career. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Who We Are

We are changing the norm by being customer focused, technology led.

viaPhoton is on an ambitious mission to revolutionize how critical digital infrastructure is manufactured and deployed. Best-in-class data centers and telecom providers need fiber optic solutions delivered in weeks, not months — whether that’s for AI infrastructure, 5G networks, or next-generation broadband. We’re reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. Manufacturing is no longer just an operations challenge, but an automation and speed-to-market problem that customers urgently need solved. In 5 years, we’ve grown to a team of over 200 and added top Hyperscalers to our growing customer base. We’ve only just gotten started — our ambition is to become the market leader of the $40+ billion connectivity industry.

We seek candidates who will be culture contributors and who align with our core values:

• Fearless Innovation we are pioneers unafraid to change the norm in relentless pursuit of better

• Forward Together we believe that when we work together toward a collective goal, we all succeed

• Integrity Over Everything we believe in long term relationships and doing what is right, always

• Nimble, Always we are solutions obsessed, move fast, and stay nimble

• Be the Bar we set our own standard of excellence and hold ourselves to it

What You Will Do

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied materials, components, and assemblies consistently meet quality, reliability, and regulatory requirements. This role partners closely with suppliers of fiber optic cables, connectors, electromechanical components, sheet metal, and injection molded parts to drive defect prevention, risk reduction, and continuous improvement in support of high-reliability data center and 5G infrastructure products.

Supplier Quality Management

• Own and execute the Supplier Quality Assurance program across global suppliers.

• Qualify, audit, and approve suppliers for fiber optics, RF, mechanical, and plastic components.

• Define and flow down quality requirements, specifications, and inspection criteria to suppliers.

• Maintain supplier quality documentation including control plans, PPAP/FAI records, and scorecards.

Incoming Quality & Risk Control

• Establish incoming inspection plans based on supplier risk, part criticality, and performance.

• Review and disposition nonconforming material (NCMR/MRB).

• Lead containment actions for supplier quality issues to prevent production or customer impact.

• Support component and supplier risk assessments (PFMEA, risk registers).

Supplier Audits & Assessments

• Conduct supplier audits (process, quality system, product) aligned to ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / customer requirements.

• Assess supplier manufacturing processes including:

  • Fiber optic cable extrusion, termination, polishing, and testing

  • Sheet metal fabrication and finishing

  • Injection molding, tooling, and process control

• Track and verify closure of audit findings and corrective actions.

Corrective & Preventive Actions

• Lead supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) using 8D, DMAIC, or equivalent methodologies.

• Perform root cause analysis with suppliers for recurring or critical defects.

• Drive preventive actions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Supplier Performance Management

• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards (quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost).

• Monitor key metrics such as PPM, on-time delivery, audit results, and escape rates.

• Support supplier development activities to improve capability and reduce risk.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and NPI teams.

• Support new product introduction (NPI) by qualifying suppliers and components.

• Review and approve supplier process changes (PCN/ECR/ECO impact assessments).

• Support customer audits, quality reviews, and escalation management as needed.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Engineering.

• Experience supporting fiber optics, telecom, data center, or electromechanical products strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of: Fiber optic components and assemblies, Sheet metal and injection molding manufacturing processes, Mechanical drawings and specifications

• Experience with: Supplier audits and qualifications, Root cause analysis and CAPA, Risk-based quality planning

• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, customer quality requirements, and industry standards (TIA, IEC, Telcordia a plus).

• Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills.

• Ability to influence suppliers and drive corrective actions.

• Clear written and verbal communication with internal teams and external suppliers.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, global supply chain environment.

• ASQ certifications (CQE, CSQP, CQA).

• Experience with PPAP, FAI, and supplier change management.

• Familiarity with high-volume manufacturing and contract manufacturers.

• Experience supporting hyperscale data center or telecom customers.

• Up to 25–40% travel to supplier sites (domestic and international), as required

• Ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. The ability to learn quickly and continuously and maintain a flexible and adaptive mindset necessary for a fast-paced environment.

• A proactive, self-driven mindset where your growth is dependent on you.

• Creative problem solving; if you don't know the answer, you’ll know how to find a way to it.

• Multi-tasking with the ability to handle multiple inquiries at once and prioritize them accordingly.

Why Join Us

• Cutting-Edge Technology – Opportunities to work on the forefront of fiber optic technology.

• Professional Development – We’re committed to your growth, offering resources, career development, and a culture where your voice is heard.

• Fun Team Environment – Monthly team bonding events, free lunches, and activities to keep us connected.

• Flexible Paid Time Off – Take time when you need it, with PTO that grows over time plus 10 paid holidays, including two floating holidays to use at your discretion.

• 401(k) Match – we offer up to 5% company match to help you plan for your future.

Ready to Build the Future? Apply now