Supplier Quality Specialist

Supplier Quality Specialist

Location: Mexico

About Sandvik & Our Culture

Sandvik is a global engineering leader with more than 41,000 employees worldwide and is consistently recognized among Forbes’ Top 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 is built on safety, quality, and people, supported by collaboration, continuous learning, and respect for diverse perspectives. We foster an inclusive environment where innovation thrives, and individuals are empowered to grow and contribute.

About the Role

The Supplier Quality Specialist (SQS) ensures that externally supplied products, materials, and services meet Sandvik’s quality, performance, and delivery requirements. This role serves as the primary quality interface with suppliers, working closely with Sourcing, Engineering, and Manufacturing to prevent defects, reduce risk, and improve supplier performance.

The SQS leads supplier quality activities across the lifecycle—including qualification, inspection, corrective action, change management, and continuous improvement—with a strong emphasis on execution, fact‑based decision making, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Assurance

• Perform inspections of fabricated weldments, machined parts, hydraulic components, and purchased materials
• Verify weld quality, dimensional compliance, surface preparation, paint, and overall finish per drawings and standards
• Conduct final product inspections and pre‑shipment quality audits
• Use precision measuring equipment to validate conformance
• Analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities

Supplier Qualification & Governance

• Lead supplier qualification, onboarding, and approval activities, including capability assessments and audits
• Define and deploy supplier quality requirements and expectations
• Ensure supplier compliance with ISO 9001 and Sandvik quality standards
• Support supplier performance reviews and escalation decisions in partnership with Sourcing

Corrective Action & Problem Solving

• Lead supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), including root cause analysis and effectiveness verification
• Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, A3, DMAIC, Fishbone, 5 Whys)
• Drive supplier improvement plans focused on defect reduction, process capability, and cost of poor quality
• Escalate chronic or systemic issues through defined governance channels

Engineering Change & Risk Management

• Support supplier‑related engineering changes, including PPAP/APQP or equivalent validation activities
• Assess supplier readiness for new products, changes, or transfers
• Identify and mitigate supplier quality and process risks

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to resolve supplier‑driven production and quality issues
• Support internal and external audits as required

Job Candidate Requirements:

·        Authorization to work in the U.S. or Mexico on an indefinite basis without sponsorship

·        Bachelor’s degree in a related field or AWS CWI certification

·        3–7+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or related roles

·        Strong working 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 50 lbs.

Preferred:

·        ASQ certifications (CSQP, CQE, CQA) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

·        Working knowledge of:

o   Machining, fabrication, and assembly processes

o   Welding processes, quality requirements, and inspection methods (AWS/ASME preferred)

o   Metallurgy, including material properties, heat treatment, and failure modes

o   Surface coatings and paint systems, including preparation, application, and defect analysis

·        Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.