JobsGenerac

Supplier Quality Engineer

Generac · Waukesha, WI

Posted Aug 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

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

Behavioral

Walk me through a time you led an 8D investigation with a supplier. What was the defect, and how did you get to the actual root cause instead of just the symptom?

whether the candidate follows disciplined root cause methodology rather than jumping to a quick fix

Tell me about a supplier corrective action, a SCAR, that didn't actually fix the problem the first time. What happened and what did you do differently on the follow up?

persistence and whether they verify effectiveness rather than closing a SCAR on paper alone

Tell me about a time you had to convince a supplier to change something they didn't want to change. How did you handle the pushback?

influence and negotiation skill with an external party who has no direct reporting relationship to them

Tell me about a supplier quality audit you conducted where you found something serious. What did you write up, and how did the supplier respond?

audit rigor and whether they can deliver hard feedback constructively

This role travels up to 35 percent, sometimes internationally, and may require working across language and time zone barriers. Tell me about a time you managed a quality issue with an overseas supplier or team.

comfort operating in a matrixed, international, cross-cultural environment

Technical

How do you build a Control Plan and PFMEA for a new part, and what's the relationship between the two documents?

real working knowledge of APQP documentation versus buzzword familiarity

Describe how you'd run a new supplier risk assessment before we ever place a purchase order with them.

understanding of proactive supplier qualification versus only reacting to failures

What's your experience with a Safe Launch Plan, and how do you decide when a supplier can come off of one?

whether they understand containment protocols and have real criteria for exiting heightened controls, not just running them indefinitely

What systems have you used to manage supplier quality data, things like ETQ, SAP, or Ariba, and how did you actually use them day to day?

hands-on tool fluency versus just listing systems on a resume

Situational

Say a supplier fails PPAP on a critical dimension right before a new product launch. Walk me through what you'd do in the first 48 hours.

how they prioritize under launch pressure and whether they know the PPAP escalation and containment steps

You're managing supplier quality KPIs and one supplier's numbers look fine but you suspect they're gaming the metric. What do you do?

skepticism, data literacy, and willingness to dig past a surface-level scorecard

You're supporting a Global Sourcing PPAP project and the sourcing team wants to move faster than the quality data supports. How do you handle that tension?

ability to hold the quality line against internal commercial pressure

Two production plants are reporting different KPIs for the same supplier because they're measuring the metric differently. How would you sort that out?

ability to standardize processes and mediate across sites without authority over either

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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 Supplier Quality Engineer oversees both advanced and current supplier quality activities and supports quality collaboration between production facilities, Engineering, and Global Sourcing teams. This role partners closely with suppliers to strengthen quality systems and improve performance, while leading problem resolution efforts through root cause analysis and corrective action using 8D methodologies Major Responsibilities: • Manages supplier quality performance to achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) using SQ tools and resources • Provides supplier guidance and understanding of our supplier’s expectations and objectives • Supports New Product Introduction and Global Sourcing PPAP projects • Performs New Supplier Risk Assessments and Supplier Quality Audits • Leads Supplier Quality Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR), Safe Launch Plan (SLP), and Supplier Contained Shipping Minimum Job Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering discipline • 3 years of experience working in Quality Assurance in a plant or supplier quality role • 1 year of experience working with PPAP procedures, APQP (Control Plan & PFMEA), PPAP, and ISO QMS • Foreign Language required based on region • Ability to travel domestically and globally up to 35% Preferred Job Requirements • Certification / License • Experience working with international companies and in matrix organizations. • Certified Quality Engineer • Certified Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt • Certified Supplier Quality Auditor • Work Experience • Experience using SAP or equivalent ERP • Experience using ETQ QMS database • Experience using Ariba Knowledge / Skills / Abilities • Competent using full suite of Microsoft Office products • Demonstrated knowledge of the interpretation and application of manufacturing/quality metrics • Demonstrated knowledge in the implementation of lean principles and improvements • Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work with teams to drive improvements • Demonstrated ability to manage shifting deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing • Good presentation skills at all levels • Use of advanced problem-solving skills to resolve difficult issues • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and solve problems in a fast-paced environment Great Reasons to work for Generac:  • Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k and many more • State-of-the-art facility with an onsite gym, walking trails, café, free parking and many employee activities  • Scheduled events throughout the year that allow our employees, both current and retirees, to gather together and enjoy their time with their families and co-workers • Eligible for summer hours! (Memorial Day – Labor Day) • Pride! When a storm strikes, Generac employees always rise to the occasion. Each time a storm hits many employees volunteer their time with the customer support team or on the production line while others go right into storm-affected areas to repair generators • We believe in having fun. From minor celebrations to major events, our employees balance their work by building a strong culture of teamwork and collaboration through a variety of occasions, including our Fun Days.  • Every day is Jeans Day! Dress for your day. • Product loan and discount programs Office Environment: 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 are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. “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.”

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