Supplier Quality Engineer

ECHO Incorporated is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance, professional-grade, handheld outdoor power equipment. With distributors and thousands of dealers across North and South America, ECHO is constantly anticipating the future of the outdoor power equipment industry and the need for environmental sustainability. Working for ECHO means joining a team of people who are committed to collaboration, innovation, creativity, and high-quality products that make us a globally competitive brand.

ECHO is hiring a Supplier Quality Engineer at our Lake Zurich location! The ideal candidate will have strong experience in supplier quality management, manufacturing engineering, assembly processes, root cause analysis, and quality systems within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role requires strong project management skills and the ability to communicate effectively across cross-functional teams and suppliers.

The salary range for this position starts at $105,000 based on experience and qualifications.

This position requires approximately 25–30% domestic and international travel.

This is a hybrid position that will offer the flexibility of working from home and on-site at our Lake Zurich facility.ECHO’s benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays

• Extremely affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off

• Yearly bonus potential

• 5% 401K match

• Tuition reimbursementDuties/Responsibilities:

• Lead supplier quality initiatives, including supplier selection, qualification, audits, development, and performance management, ensuring compliance with ECHO quality standards, technical requirements, and customer expectations.

• Analyze and monitor supplier quality performance metrics such as DPPM, scrap, field failures, and corrective action effectiveness. Investigate quality issues using structured root cause analysis and drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

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Perform supplier and manufacturing process audits, capability studies, and production assessments to ensure repeatable, efficient, and controlled manufacturing processes.

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Partner with suppliers and cross-functional teams, including Procurement, Manufacturing Engineering, Receiving Inspection, and Quality, to establish and maintain quality standards, inspection methods, cosmetic requirements, tooling specifications, and measurement systems.Identify manufacturing inefficiencies, process waste, production constraints, and quality risks, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, throughput, and operational performance.

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Support new product introductions by participating in tooling reviews, fixture development, process validations, and supplier readiness activities to ensure successful product launches and production scalability.

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Serve as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders, communicating quality concerns, audit findings, corrective actions, project progress, and continuous improvement opportunities.

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Champion a culture of quality throughout supplier and manufacturing operations while supporting departmental objectives and performing additional responsibilities as required to meet business needs.

Job Experience/Skills:

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Minimum of five years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related manufacturing environment.

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Proven experience supporting high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing and assembly operations.

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Strong understanding of supplier quality systems, root cause analysis, corrective action processes, process capability studies, and manufacturing process controls.

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Experience with assembly processes, tooling, fixtures, machine design, and both automated and manual manufacturing systems preferred.

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Knowledge of new product introduction (NPI) processes, supplier qualification, and product launch activities is highly desirable.

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Demonstrated project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across all levels of the organization and with external suppliers.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

• Ability to safely operate hand tools and basic shop equipment.

• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and inspection equipment to verify product and process quality.

• Ability to work in manufacturing, assembly, and supplier environments, including standing, walking, and conducting audits as needed.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university.

Travel: Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% to supplier locations as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants.

E-Verification:

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.