Supplier Quality Engineer
Location: Alachua, Florida, USA (Greater Gainesville Area)
About Sandvik & Our Culture
Sandvik is a global engineering leader with more than 41,000 employees worldwide and proud to be ranked among Forbes' Top 100 Global Employers . At our Rotary Drilling Division headquarters in Alachua, Florida, we design and assemble world-class surface mining drill rigs used across the globe.
Our culture thrives on innovation, collaboration, and diversity. We believe different perspectives drive creativity, so we invest in learning together and supporting each other. Safety, Quality, and People are at the heart of everything we do — all within a dynamic and inclusive work environment.
About the Role
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied products, materials, and services consistently meet company quality, delivery, and performance requirements. This role partners closely with Sourcing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to prevent defects, manage supplier risk, and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.
The SQE serves as the primary technical interface between the organization and its suppliers on all quality‑related matters, including qualification, audits, corrective actions, process capability, and change management.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Qualification & Governance
Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and approval activities, including capability assessments and audits
Define and deploy supplier quality requirements, standards, and expectations
Ensure suppliers comply with ISO 9001 system requirements
Incoming & Supplier Quality Assurance
Monitor supplier quality performance using KPIs such as PPM, defects, escapes, and audit findings
Analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
Support incoming inspection strategies and containment actions when required
Corrective Action & Problem Solving
Lead supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), root cause analysis, and verification of effectiveness
Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, DMAIC, A3, Fishbone, 5 Whys)
Escalate chronic or systemic supplier issues through defined governance channels
Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement
Partner with suppliers to improve process capability, yield, and consistency
Drive supplier development plans focused on defect reduction, process stability, and cost of poor quality
Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives
Engineering Change & Risk Management
Participate in supplier‑related engineering changes, including PPAP/APQP or equivalent validation activities
Assess supplier readiness for new product introductions, changes, or transfers
Identify and mitigate supplier quality and process risks
Cross ‑ Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Sourcing on supplier selection, performance reviews, and escalation decisions
Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to resolve supplier‑driven production issues
Support internal and external audits as required
Job Candidate Requirements:
Ability to work in the U.S. on an indefinite basis without sponsorship
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related field
3–7+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or related roles
Strong knowledge of quality systems, audits, and supplier management practices
Hands‑on experience with structured problem‑solving and corrective action processes
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process documentation
Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required.
Ability to lift up to 50lb.
Preferred:
ASQ certifications (CSQP, CQE, CQA, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt)
Working knowledge of: Gears and power transmission components
Metallurgy, including material properties, heat treatment, and failure modes
Welding processes, weld quality requirements, and inspection methods
Surface coatings and paint systems, including preparation, application, and defect analysis.
Knowledge of welding standards (AWS/ASME preferred)
Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.
Knowledge of machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.
Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement training.
How to Apply
Apply online at https://www.sandvik.com/careers.
Sandvik is an equal opportunity employer . We provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. For assistance, contact hrsupport.us@sandvik.com .