Supplier Quality Engineer

Description

Whisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter-Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what’s possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we’re imagining that future today.

We work onsite 4+ days a week, with our team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Our team of 700+ passionate pet people thrives on collaboration, innovation, and the occasional office cameo from a four-legged friend.

What You’ll Do:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) ensures incoming parts and materials meet Whisker’s quality standards, minimizes supplier-related defects, and maintains operational efficiency through effective root cause analysis, corrective actions, and inventory management. This position is critical to maintaining supplier partnerships and ensuring production runs smoothly.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded as necessary.

• Performs receiving inspections on incoming materials using basic metrology tools (e.g., tape measures, micrometers, calipers).
• Approves or rejects materials based on specifications and quality standards.
• Issues and manages supplier corrective actions (SCARs) to address nonconforming materials.
• Conducts follow-ups to ensure effective implementation and closure of corrective actions.
• Assists with supplier development to improve quality performance.
• Quarantines and manages on-hold inventory, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and disposition.
• Leads sorting and containment activities to minimize production disruptions.
• Works closely with internal stakeholders to determine material disposition.
• Handles the processing and tracking of RMAs for defective materials.
• Collaborates with suppliers to resolve quality issues and coordinate returns or replacements.
• Maintains accurate inspection records, supplier quality performance metrics, and corrective action logs.
• Provides data and insights for monthly quality performance reviews.
• Works closely with Manufacturing, Operations, and Engineering teams to resolve material quality issues.
• Participates in cross-functional meetings to align on quality objectives.
• Supports the development of inspection processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Contributes to Lean and Six Sigma initiatives related to supplier quality.
• Will perform additional responsibilities when required

Requirements

What You’ll Bring:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Quality, Engineering, or Manufacturing) or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years in a Supplier Quality, Receiving Inspection, or similar role.
• Proficient in using basic metrology tools (e.g., tape measures, calipers, micrometers).
• Experience with nonconforming material processes and supplier corrective actions (SCARs).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and RMA processes.
• High attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information
• Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions
• A high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Team Members and colleagues
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs) 

Not Required but Nice to Have!

• Bachelor’s degree of Engineering
• Quality Engineering experience in a high volume production environment, preferably within consumer electronicsBachelor’s degree of Engineering
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Reliability Engineer
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt Certification
• Not required to have pets but highly recommended! 
• Previous experience in plastic injection molding and printed circuit board manufacturing

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here represent those that a Team Member must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The Team Member is frequently required to use their hands to handle or feel. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Benefits & Purrks:

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance Discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Pet-friendly office
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program

Statement of Inclusivity:

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

While Whisker is an AI-forward organization, we will not ask you to interview with an AI agent. We lead with a human first approach for hiring. We ask that you refrain from using an AI tools during any interview.

Please ensure to regularly check your email spam folder for any communication from Whisker to avoid missing important updates regarding your application status.