OPT Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs
Supplier Quality Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in automotive, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing regularly sponsor visas for this specialization.
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Get Access To All JobsWhy Work for KeHE?
- Full-time
- Pay Range: $97,350.00/Yr. - $142,659.00/Yr.
- Shift Days: , Shift Time:
- Benefits on Day 1
- Health/Rx
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Paid sick time
- Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
- Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
- Holiday pay for company designated holidays
Overview:
At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Senior Manager, Supplier Promotion Analytics serves as a strategic advisor to suppliers, partnering with them to develop promotional and advertising strategies that drive growth across categories, retailers, and regions. The position works closely with internal teams to align promotional investments with category strategies, while driving adoption of promotional analytics solutions and advisory services among existing and prospective suppliers. In addition, this role analyzes promotion performance, translates findings into actionable recommendations, and conducts post-event reviews to improve lift, incrementality, and ROI along with leading strategic initiatives, building scalable processes and best practices. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Essential Functions:
DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as a trusted strategic advisor and primary point of contact for suppliers, partnering with them to develop annual promotional and advertising strategies aligned to their business objectives and to identify growth opportunities across categories, retailers, and regions.
- Develop supplier segmentation and engagement strategies based on business needs, growth potential, and promotional objectives.
- Partner with Category Managers, Sales, and Merchandising Intelligence to align promotional investments with category strategies and growth objectives.
- Support annual planning processes and strategic business reviews with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment around business priorities.
- Drive adoption and expansion of promotional analytics solutions, advanced reporting, and advisory services through consultative engagement with existing and prospective suppliers, clearly communicating their value proposition.
- Analyze promotional performance using syndicated retailer, and internal data to identify trends and growth opportunities, and recommend improvements to timing, depth, investment allocation, lift, incrementality, ROI, and overall trade effectiveness.
- Translate complex analyses into clear, actionable recommendations and growth strategies.
- Develop post-event reviews and performance assessments to inform future planning.
- Lead strategic projects that enhance promotional planning capabilities and supplier engagement and build scalable processes and best practices within the promotion strategy function.
- Mentor and develop analysts and future team members.
- As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Strong analytical capabilities with advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and data visualization tools.
- Able to leverage syndicated data sources such as Circana (IRI), NielsenIQ, SPINS, or equivalent platforms.
- Deep understanding of promotional strategy, trade investment optimization, category management, and revenue growth principles.
- Proven ability to translate complex data into compelling business narratives and actionable recommendations.
- Strong consultative selling, relationship management, and stakeholder influence skills.
- Exceptional presentation and communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and external partners.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to identify growth opportunities and drive business results.
- Strong project leadership and organizational skills with the ability to operate independently.
- Able to coach, mentor, or develop talent with potential for future people leadership responsibilities.
Minimum Requirements:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Analytics, or related field required.
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, commercial analytics, trade marketing, revenue growth management, sales strategy, promotions, or related CPG functions.
- Experience working directly with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, distributors, or broker organizations within grocery, natural, or consumer packaged goods industries.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing syndicated and customer-level data to drive business recommendations and commercial outcomes.
- Experience leading strategic initiatives and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
- Previous experience presenting recommendations to external clients, suppliers, or senior leadership preferred.
- Prior people leadership, mentoring, or team development experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Requisition ID: 2026-33242
Equal Employer Opportunity Statement: KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.
Why Work for KeHE?
- Full-time
- Pay Range: $97,350.00/Yr. - $142,659.00/Yr.
- Shift Days: , Shift Time:
- Benefits on Day 1
- Health/Rx
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- Paid sick time
- Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
- Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
- Holiday pay for company designated holidays
Overview:
At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Senior Manager, Supplier Promotion Analytics serves as a strategic advisor to suppliers, partnering with them to develop promotional and advertising strategies that drive growth across categories, retailers, and regions. The position works closely with internal teams to align promotional investments with category strategies, while driving adoption of promotional analytics solutions and advisory services among existing and prospective suppliers. In addition, this role analyzes promotion performance, translates findings into actionable recommendations, and conducts post-event reviews to improve lift, incrementality, and ROI along with leading strategic initiatives, building scalable processes and best practices. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Essential Functions:
DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as a trusted strategic advisor and primary point of contact for suppliers, partnering with them to develop annual promotional and advertising strategies aligned to their business objectives and to identify growth opportunities across categories, retailers, and regions.
- Develop supplier segmentation and engagement strategies based on business needs, growth potential, and promotional objectives.
- Partner with Category Managers, Sales, and Merchandising Intelligence to align promotional investments with category strategies and growth objectives.
- Support annual planning processes and strategic business reviews with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment around business priorities.
- Drive adoption and expansion of promotional analytics solutions, advanced reporting, and advisory services through consultative engagement with existing and prospective suppliers, clearly communicating their value proposition.
- Analyze promotional performance using syndicated retailer, and internal data to identify trends and growth opportunities, and recommend improvements to timing, depth, investment allocation, lift, incrementality, ROI, and overall trade effectiveness.
- Translate complex analyses into clear, actionable recommendations and growth strategies.
- Develop post-event reviews and performance assessments to inform future planning.
- Lead strategic projects that enhance promotional planning capabilities and supplier engagement and build scalable processes and best practices within the promotion strategy function.
- Mentor and develop analysts and future team members.
- As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
- Strong analytical capabilities with advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and data visualization tools.
- Able to leverage syndicated data sources such as Circana (IRI), NielsenIQ, SPINS, or equivalent platforms.
- Deep understanding of promotional strategy, trade investment optimization, category management, and revenue growth principles.
- Proven ability to translate complex data into compelling business narratives and actionable recommendations.
- Strong consultative selling, relationship management, and stakeholder influence skills.
- Exceptional presentation and communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and external partners.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to identify growth opportunities and drive business results.
- Strong project leadership and organizational skills with the ability to operate independently.
- Able to coach, mentor, or develop talent with potential for future people leadership responsibilities.
Minimum Requirements:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Analytics, or related field required.
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in category management, commercial analytics, trade marketing, revenue growth management, sales strategy, promotions, or related CPG functions.
- Experience working directly with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, distributors, or broker organizations within grocery, natural, or consumer packaged goods industries.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing syndicated and customer-level data to drive business recommendations and commercial outcomes.
- Experience leading strategic initiatives and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
- Previous experience presenting recommendations to external clients, suppliers, or senior leadership preferred.
- Prior people leadership, mentoring, or team development experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Requisition ID: 2026-33242
Equal Employer Opportunity Statement: KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.
See all 147+ OPT Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Supplier Quality Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Supplier Quality Engineer roles under CIP codes for mechanical or industrial engineering qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can communicate your full authorization timeline to employers.
Lead with your quality certifications
Employers prioritize candidates with ASQ certifications, Six Sigma training, or familiarity with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards. Listing these on your resume signals technical readiness and reduces the perceived risk of sponsoring an OPT worker over a domestic candidate.
Focus on industries with high sponsorship rates
Automotive Tier 1 suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, and medical device companies file H-1B visa petitions regularly for quality engineering roles. Targeting these sectors significantly improves your odds of finding an employer willing to transition you from OPT to long-term sponsorship.
Quantify your supplier audit experience
Hiring managers for this role want measurable results. Frame your experience around defect rate reductions, corrective action closures, or supplier scorecard improvements. Concrete outcomes make a stronger case for sponsorship than listing job duties in general terms.
Address OPT timing proactively in interviews
If you have 12 months of initial OPT plus a potential 24-month STEM extension, communicate that timeline clearly. Employers who hesitate about sponsorship often worry about short runways. Showing you have three years of authorized work time often resolves that concern quickly.
Build relationships with quality engineering managers directly
Supplier Quality roles are often filled through referrals from within manufacturing networks. Connecting with quality managers at target companies through professional associations like ASQ increases your visibility and positions you as a serious candidate before a role is even posted.
Supplier Quality Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Supplier Quality Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, provided your degree falls under a qualifying STEM CIP code such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or manufacturing engineering. The role itself must also be directly related to your degree field. Confirm eligibility with your DSO, since job title alone does not determine STEM OPT qualification. Your university's international student office makes the final determination.
How much time do I have on OPT to work as a Supplier Quality Engineer before needing H-1B sponsorship?
You get 12 months of standard OPT, plus up to 24 additional months through the STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies, for a total of 36 months. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to support the extension. If you apply for the H-1B lottery during that window and are selected, you can remain in status through the cap-gap period while USCIS adjudicates your petition.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor Supplier Quality Engineers from OPT to H-1B?
Automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, and medical device companies have strong track records of sponsoring quality engineers long-term. Large manufacturers with established legal and HR infrastructure are generally better bets than smaller suppliers. Migrate Mate filters job listings to surface roles at employers with active sponsorship history, which saves significant research time.
Can I work as a Supplier Quality Engineer at a client site or supplier facility while on OPT?
Yes, but your employment must remain with the company listed on your EAD. If your role involves regular travel to supplier facilities or client sites for audits, that is generally fine as long as your primary employer relationship does not change. Staffing arrangements where a third-party places you on-site at another company can create compliance complications, so clarify the employment structure before accepting an offer.
What should I do if a Supplier Quality Engineer job posting does not mention visa sponsorship?
Many manufacturers omit sponsorship language from postings but will consider OPT candidates, particularly for roles that are hard to fill. It is worth applying and raising your authorization status in the initial screen rather than self-selecting out. When you browse Supplier Quality Engineer roles on Migrate Mate, listings are curated for international candidates, which removes much of the uncertainty about whether a company is open to sponsorship.