STEM OPT Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs
Supplier Quality Engineer roles in manufacturing, aerospace, and medical devices qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree is in engineering or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan. This page lists openings at companies already set up to hire STEM OPT candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsSupplier Quality Engineer
Tuscaloosa, AL
Position Summary
SMP Automotive Systems Alabama is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to support supplier quality performance, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This position serves as the primary quality liaison between SMP and assigned suppliers, ensuring purchased materials and components consistently meet quality, delivery, and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage supplier quality performance through audits, scorecards, KPI reviews, and supplier development activities.
- Lead supplier APQP activities, PPAP approvals, and launch readiness assessments.
- Drive supplier corrective actions utilizing structured problem-solving methods including 8D, 5 Why, PFMEA, SPC, and MSA.
- Conduct supplier process and quality system audits in accordance with IATF 16949 and VDA standards.
- Support supplier sourcing, qualification, onboarding, and risk assessment activities.
- Coordinate containment activities and issue resolution for supplier-related quality concerns impacting production or customers.
- Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Customer Quality teams to ensure supplier performance objectives are achieved.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction, process capability, and supplier performance enhancement.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related automotive quality role.
- Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
- Experience working within an IATF 16949-certified manufacturing environment.
Preferred
- 5+ years of automotive supplier quality experience.
- VDA 6.3 Auditor Certification.
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification.
- Experience supporting OEM or Tier 1 automotive customers.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of automotive quality systems and customer requirements.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949, AIAG Core Tools, and VDA standards.
- Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
Travel Requirements
- Domestic and international travel up to 50% may be required.
Benefits
SMP Automotive Systems Alabama offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Career Advancement Opportunities within a Global Automotive Organization
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, SMP provides a collaborative work environment focused on safety, quality, continuous improvement, and employee development.
Why Join SMP?
At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you'll be part of a global automotive supplier committed to innovation, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and the chance to make a direct impact on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
SMP Automotive Systems Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Supplier Quality Engineer
Tuscaloosa, AL
Position Summary
SMP Automotive Systems Alabama is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to support supplier quality performance, new product launches, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This position serves as the primary quality liaison between SMP and assigned suppliers, ensuring purchased materials and components consistently meet quality, delivery, and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage supplier quality performance through audits, scorecards, KPI reviews, and supplier development activities.
- Lead supplier APQP activities, PPAP approvals, and launch readiness assessments.
- Drive supplier corrective actions utilizing structured problem-solving methods including 8D, 5 Why, PFMEA, SPC, and MSA.
- Conduct supplier process and quality system audits in accordance with IATF 16949 and VDA standards.
- Support supplier sourcing, qualification, onboarding, and risk assessment activities.
- Coordinate containment activities and issue resolution for supplier-related quality concerns impacting production or customers.
- Collaborate with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Customer Quality teams to ensure supplier performance objectives are achieved.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect reduction, process capability, and supplier performance enhancement.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related automotive quality role.
- Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
- Experience working within an IATF 16949-certified manufacturing environment.
Preferred
- 5+ years of automotive supplier quality experience.
- VDA 6.3 Auditor Certification.
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification.
- Experience supporting OEM or Tier 1 automotive customers.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of automotive quality systems and customer requirements.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949, AIAG Core Tools, and VDA standards.
- Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality management systems.
Travel Requirements
- Domestic and international travel up to 50% may be required.
Benefits
SMP Automotive Systems Alabama offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Career Advancement Opportunities within a Global Automotive Organization
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, SMP provides a collaborative work environment focused on safety, quality, continuous improvement, and employee development.
Why Join SMP?
At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama, you'll be part of a global automotive supplier committed to innovation, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, career development opportunities, and the chance to make a direct impact on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
SMP Automotive Systems Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See all 67+ STEM OPT Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Supplier Quality Engineer
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field. Engineering degrees typically qualify, but interdisciplinary programs vary. Cross-reference your I-20 CIP code against the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting roles.
Filter for E-Verify enrollment early
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before any interviews. Without active E-Verify enrollment, your employer can't complete the I-983 training plan, which makes the STEM OPT extension impossible regardless of your qualifications or the role.
Build a role-specific training plan narrative
Your I-983 must tie your Supplier Quality Engineer duties to your STEM degree. Document how activities like supplier audits, corrective action analysis, and statistical process control directly apply your engineering coursework. Vague descriptions get flagged by DSOs and can delay your extension approval.
Target industries with active LCA filing patterns
Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify manufacturers, aerospace contractors, and medical device companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for quality engineering roles. Companies with recent filings are already familiar with work authorization requirements and have HR processes in place.
Search Migrate Mate to find verified openings
Migrate Mate surfaces Supplier Quality Engineer jobs at employers with documented E-Verify enrollment, so you're not guessing at sponsorship eligibility. Filter by industry and location to prioritize roles that match your degree field and your STEM OPT timeline.
Time your application around your OPT end date
File your STEM OPT extension with USCIS up to 90 days before your initial OPT expires. If your extension is pending on your end date, you're covered by a 180-day automatic cap-gap. Submit your I-765 early to avoid any gap in authorization during an active offer or negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Supplier Quality Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in an approved STEM field such as mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or materials engineering, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The role must also provide practical training directly related to your degree. Your DSO confirms qualification by verifying your CIP code against the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List before recommending the extension.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Supplier Quality Engineer?
The I-983 must describe how your specific job duties connect to your STEM degree. For Supplier Quality Engineers, that means documenting activities like supplier audits, root cause analysis, statistical process control, and corrective action reporting as applications of your engineering education. Both you and your employer's authorized representative must sign it, and your DSO must approve it before USCIS processes your extension.
How do I verify that an employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer?
Ask the recruiter or hiring manager directly whether the company is an active E-Verify participant. You can also request their E-Verify Company ID. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for STEM OPT employers, so any company that has hired STEM OPT students before should be able to confirm immediately. If they can't confirm, that's a signal to clarify before signing anything.
What happens to my work authorization if my STEM OPT extension is still pending when my OPT expires?
If you filed your I-765 on time, up to 90 days before your OPT end date, you receive a 180-day automatic extension of work authorization while USCIS adjudicates your application. This cap-gap period covers you as long as your application remains pending and in valid status. You can continue working in your Supplier Quality Engineer role without interruption during this window.
Where can I find Supplier Quality Engineer jobs at companies set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Supplier Quality Engineer openings at employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, so you can focus your search on companies that are already prepared to support the STEM OPT extension process. Roles in aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing appear frequently and tend to align well with engineering degree backgrounds that qualify for the 24-month extension.