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 JobsPurpose:
The Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer is responsible for ensuring that purchased parts and supplier manufacturing processes meet the company’s quality requirements. This position supports supplier selection and development, APQP and PPAP activities, supplier process audits, incoming quality improvement, and the resolution of supplier-related quality issues. The SQA Engineer works closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify root causes, implement effective corrective actions, prevent recurrence, and ensure the consistent delivery of quality parts.
Key Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned as needed):
- Supplier Quality Management
- Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for supplier-related quality issues and lead supplier containment and corrective-action activities.
- Lead the 8D problem-solving process and evaluate root cause analysis, permanent corrective actions, and their effectiveness.
- Review supplier manufacturing processes and quality documents to ensure compliance with company and customer requirements.
- Lead supplier quality meetings and improvement activities to prevent recurrence and improve overall quality performance.
- Manage supplier performance evaluations and quality-related cost-recovery activities.
-
Implement temporary containment and segregation activities for plant inventory to prevent production disruptions.
-
Regular Supplier Audits and Performance Management
- Conduct regular supplier process and quality-system audits.
- Monitor supplier performance through scorecards and quality reviews.
-
Lead improvement activities for underperforming suppliers.
-
Supplier APQP and 4M/EO Change Management for New Programs
- Participate in SOR and technical reviews for new supplier sourcing.
- Review development progress at each APQP phase and coordinate with the Product Development Team.
- Conduct PPAP Run audits and lead supplier PPAP and PSW approval activities.
-
Review and approve PPAP documentation for production 4M and Engineering Order (EO) changes and monitor the approval status.
-
Headquarters and Customer Support
- Respond to quality-related requests from headquarters, global business sites, and customers within the required timeline.
-
Collaborate with global teams and participate in quality meetings and reviews.
-
Quality Systems and Compliance
- Manage quality data and documentation using applicable company systems.
- Comply with company standards, customer-specific requirements, and IATF 16949 requirements.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical field preferred.
- Minimum of three years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing quality, preferably in the automotive industry.
- Experience in quality stabilization through dimensional analysis, defect reduction, and process improvement.
- Experience working directly with customers and suppliers on quality-related issues.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Automotive Quality Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 6-sigma.
- Knowledge of structured problem-solving methods, including Global 8D and root cause analysis.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T principles.
- Statistical quality analysis and tracking, 6-sigma.
- Proficiency in customer portals and internal quality management systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to prepare clear and professional documents, reports, and presentations.
- Ability to apply statistical analysis and Six Sigma methodologies to monitor quality trends and support process improvement.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to drive issues to closure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to established procedures and deadlines.
- Strong cultural awareness and an inclusive mindset when working with diverse teams.
Legal Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age due to federal labor law requirements.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Working Conditions:
- Frequent work in office and manufacturing floor.
- Frequent exposure to noise, moving machinery, and energized equipment.
- Frequent requirement of wearing PPE (safety shoes, eye protection, hearing protection).
Physical Requirements:
- Constant requirement of using computer and office equipment.
- Frequent sitting, standing, and walking.
Remote Work: This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health, dental & vision insurance, life insurance and other supplemental benefits, 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: HL Mando is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability status.
HL Mando America Corporation (HL MCA) does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters.
Any resume or candidate information submitted to HL MCA employees via email, the internet, or any other method without a valid, written agreement authorized by HL MCA’s HR Operations for the applicable position will be considered the sole property of HL MCA.
HL MCA will not be responsible for any fees, commissions, or other charges associated with unsolicited submissions. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited referral or through any other means.
Only search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters that have an active, written agreement with HL MCA and have been specifically authorized by HL MCA HR Operations to support a particular position may submit candidates for consideration.
Purpose:
The Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer is responsible for ensuring that purchased parts and supplier manufacturing processes meet the company’s quality requirements. This position supports supplier selection and development, APQP and PPAP activities, supplier process audits, incoming quality improvement, and the resolution of supplier-related quality issues. The SQA Engineer works closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify root causes, implement effective corrective actions, prevent recurrence, and ensure the consistent delivery of quality parts.
Key Responsibilities include the following (other duties may be assigned as needed):
- Supplier Quality Management
- Issue Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for supplier-related quality issues and lead supplier containment and corrective-action activities.
- Lead the 8D problem-solving process and evaluate root cause analysis, permanent corrective actions, and their effectiveness.
- Review supplier manufacturing processes and quality documents to ensure compliance with company and customer requirements.
- Lead supplier quality meetings and improvement activities to prevent recurrence and improve overall quality performance.
- Manage supplier performance evaluations and quality-related cost-recovery activities.
-
Implement temporary containment and segregation activities for plant inventory to prevent production disruptions.
-
Regular Supplier Audits and Performance Management
- Conduct regular supplier process and quality-system audits.
- Monitor supplier performance through scorecards and quality reviews.
-
Lead improvement activities for underperforming suppliers.
-
Supplier APQP and 4M/EO Change Management for New Programs
- Participate in SOR and technical reviews for new supplier sourcing.
- Review development progress at each APQP phase and coordinate with the Product Development Team.
- Conduct PPAP Run audits and lead supplier PPAP and PSW approval activities.
-
Review and approve PPAP documentation for production 4M and Engineering Order (EO) changes and monitor the approval status.
-
Headquarters and Customer Support
- Respond to quality-related requests from headquarters, global business sites, and customers within the required timeline.
-
Collaborate with global teams and participate in quality meetings and reviews.
-
Quality Systems and Compliance
- Manage quality data and documentation using applicable company systems.
- Comply with company standards, customer-specific requirements, and IATF 16949 requirements.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical field preferred.
- Minimum of three years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing quality, preferably in the automotive industry.
- Experience in quality stabilization through dimensional analysis, defect reduction, and process improvement.
- Experience working directly with customers and suppliers on quality-related issues.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of Automotive Quality Core Tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, 6-sigma.
- Knowledge of structured problem-solving methods, including Global 8D and root cause analysis.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T principles.
- Statistical quality analysis and tracking, 6-sigma.
- Proficiency in customer portals and internal quality management systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to prepare clear and professional documents, reports, and presentations.
- Ability to apply statistical analysis and Six Sigma methodologies to monitor quality trends and support process improvement.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to drive issues to closure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to established procedures and deadlines.
- Strong cultural awareness and an inclusive mindset when working with diverse teams.
Legal Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age due to federal labor law requirements.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Working Conditions:
- Frequent work in office and manufacturing floor.
- Frequent exposure to noise, moving machinery, and energized equipment.
- Frequent requirement of wearing PPE (safety shoes, eye protection, hearing protection).
Physical Requirements:
- Constant requirement of using computer and office equipment.
- Frequent sitting, standing, and walking.
Remote Work: This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health, dental & vision insurance, life insurance and other supplemental benefits, 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: HL Mando is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability status.
HL Mando America Corporation (HL MCA) does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters.
Any resume or candidate information submitted to HL MCA employees via email, the internet, or any other method without a valid, written agreement authorized by HL MCA’s HR Operations for the applicable position will be considered the sole property of HL MCA.
HL MCA will not be responsible for any fees, commissions, or other charges associated with unsolicited submissions. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited referral or through any other means.
Only search firms, staffing agencies, or recruiters that have an active, written agreement with HL MCA and have been specifically authorized by HL MCA HR Operations to support a particular position may submit candidates for consideration.
See all 120+ 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.