Jobs › Generac

Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer

Generac · Eagle, WI · Full time

Posted May 19, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Generac

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through a time you led an 8D on a supplier defect. What was the problem, and how did you actually confirm root cause instead of just treating the symptom?

What they are checking: whether the candidate has real hands-on ownership of root cause analysis versus just filling out paperwork

Tell me about a PPAP you managed for a new part launch. What went wrong, if anything, and how did you handle it against the launch timeline?

What they are checking: practical familiarity with PPAP under real schedule pressure, not just textbook knowledge

Tell me about a time the sourcing team, engineering, and the plant all wanted different things from a supplier. How did you get everyone aligned?

What they are checking: cross-functional influence skill in a matrixed organization

Describe a supplier development effort you led that actually changed the supplier's behavior long-term, not just fixed one shipment.

What they are checking: whether they think beyond firefighting toward sustainable supplier improvement

Tell me about a supplier corrective action that came back multiple times and still didn't stick. What did you do differently the third time?

What they are checking: persistence and escalation judgment when standard corrective action cycles fail

What would you do

Say a purchased component starts failing on the assembly line and you have parts already in transit from the supplier. What do you do in the first 24 hours?

What they are checking: ability to move quickly on containment before root cause is even known

If a corporate supplier quality directive conflicts with what your plant floor actually needs day to day, how do you handle that?

What they are checking: ability to navigate matrix reporting lines without losing plant credibility

Suppose a supplier change management request comes in from a supplier that's clearly cost-driven, and you're worried about quality impact. How do you evaluate and respond?

What they are checking: whether they can push back on suppliers and internal pressure using data, not just gut feeling

About the work

How do you approach a supplier audit when you walk in and the paperwork looks fine but something about the process feels off?

What they are checking: depth of actual audit experience versus checkbox compliance

A supplier keeps passing PPAP but keeps sending parts with fit-up issues at final assembly. How do you dig into why that gap exists?

What they are checking: understanding of the disconnect between PPAP sign-off and real-world manufacturability

How do you decide what goes through MRB versus what gets a quick disposition at the line?

What they are checking: practical judgment on nonconforming material handling and workflow

Walk me through how you'd use control plans and PFMEA together when a supplier proposes a process change.

What they are checking: solid grasp of APQP tools and how they connect in change management, not just familiarity with the acronyms

How have you used SAP or a similar ERP system in tracking supplier quality issues or nonconforming material?

What they are checking: concrete system fluency versus general claims of ERP experience

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Generac from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Generac.

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most. For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future. Ready to Power a Smarter World with us? The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for managing plant supplier quality functions. The SQE will support the supplier quality activities between our production facilities, Engineering and Global Sourcing teams. The person in this position will work with suppliers to execute problem resolution to determine root cause with the use of corrective action and 8D problem solving methods. This person will work to ensure the launch readiness of suppliers and components as defined in the Generac Quality Management System (GQMS) at the plant assigned. The SQE will lead the supplier quality activities between our production facility, Engineering, Corporate Supplier Quality and Global Sourcing teams. This position works with suppliers (internal and external) to improve performance. This person will execute problem resolution to determine root cause with the use of corrective action and 8D problem solving methods. Responsibilities: • Manage internal and external supplier quality issues for assigned plant • Support the facility Quality Managers with follow up to supplier corrective actions; • Support New Product Introduction and Global Sourcing with PPAP projects; • Participate in continuous improvement activities. • Manage quality issues associated with purchased parts and sister facility parts including initial contact, containment and permanent corrective action; • Conduct audits, evaluate performance, develop action plans and provide recommendations for the purpose of improving performance at suppliers; • Participate in continuous improvement activities; • Support NPI at the plant level by evaluating part fit up and PPAP • Work with corporate supplier quality and sourcing group to identify and execute opportunities of supplier development • Manage supplier change management request at the plant level • Execute MRB process working with material, manufacturing and planning team for rejected supplier parts Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; • 5+ years of experience in a SQE role with an OEM company; • 3-5 years of experience working in Quality Assurance in a plant or supplier quality role; • 2+ year of experience working with PPAP procedures, APQP (Control Plan & PFMEA), PPAP and ISO; • Experienced working in production plant with assembly process Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working with international companies and in matrix organizations; • Certified Quality Engineer; • Certified Six Sigma Green Belt; • Certified Quality Auditor; • Previous Experience using SAP or equivalent ERP Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.  The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders.  The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job include are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel “We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

Apply at Generac

More senior supplier quality engineer roles