JobsMercury Marine

Supplier Quality Engineering Co-op

Mercury Marine · Fond du Lac, WI

Posted Sep 7, 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

Tell me about a time you had to figure something out with limited direction or without a clear answer available.

comfort with the ambiguity of a co-op role where they'll be expected to work independently early on

Describe a group project where you had to coordinate with people outside your immediate team, like another department or an outside partner.

readiness to collaborate across engineering and procurement functions the role explicitly touches

Tell me about a time you had to learn a new system or process quickly with not much training.

how they handle the fast onboarding typical of a co-op with no formal ramp time

Tell me about a time you gave feedback or pushed for a change and someone more senior than you didn't want to hear it.

whether they can use influence rather than authority, since this role has no direct reports and works through persuasion

What made you choose to apply for a co-op instead of just an internship, and what are you hoping to get out of a six-month term here?

genuine motivation and whether the length and structure of the commitment actually fits their goals

Technical

Walk me through what PPAP is and why a supplier would need to submit one before we approve a part.

whether the candidate has real coursework or exposure to production part approval process versus just having heard the term

What quality tools or methods have you used in school or a past job, things like FMEA, root cause analysis, or SPC?

actual hands-on exposure to the specific tools this team leans on daily

If you found a defect during a sorting or containment activity at a supplier, how would you decide whether it's a supplier issue or something on Mercury's end?

basic understanding of root cause thinking and not jumping to conclusions

What coursework or projects have given you exposure to manufacturing processes, like machining, assembly, or materials?

whether their mechanical or manufacturing engineering background actually connects to real production environments

Situational

Say you're auditing a supplier's manufacturing line and you spot a process step that isn't being followed the way their control plan says. What do you do next?

whether they know a structured audit-to-corrective-action workflow rather than just flagging a problem and walking away

A supplier pushes back on your finding and insists their process is fine. How do you handle that conversation?

ability to hold a position professionally with someone more experienced and often external to the company

You're managing a supplier relationship for one commodity and two priorities collide, a new supplier needs technical qualification while an existing supplier has a corrective action overdue. How do you decide where your time goes?

prioritization skills when given real ownership without a manager directing every task

How would you explain a technical quality issue to someone in procurement who doesn't have an engineering background?

communication skills across functions with different levels of technical fluency

Practice this interview out loud.

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

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The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Mercury Marine – Supplier Quality Engineering Co-op Location: Fond du Lac, WI Workplace Category: (Hybrid, onsite, remote) onsite Travel Required: none Direct Reports: none Pay Range:  19.00 - 27.50 Relocation: yes Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.   Position Overview: As a Supplier Quality Engineering Co-op, you will work collaboratively and independently with highly qualified engineering, manufacturing and procurement professionals who are responsible for the design, sourcing, and manufacturing of outboard and stern drive motors for the recreational boating industry. You will become an integral member of a quality engineering team committed to delivering superior results. You will learn how to work independently as well as with a team, as you own and manage supplier relationships for an assigned product commodity. At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.  Essential Functions: • Communicate with your assigned supplier group to promote understanding of Mercury PPAP requirements (production part approval process). • Evaluate supplier performance through auditing, sorting and corrective plan development. • Mitigate risk through proactive analysis of manufacturing processes and systems. • Collaborate with engineering and procurement as new products are developed to identify sources or supplier technical competency requirements. • Utilize personal influence to drive continuous improvements through the application of quality tools and techniques. Co-op project opportunities: • Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way. Required Qualifications : • Current enrollment in a B.S. program with a major in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering • Minimum second semester sophomore status with 48 completed credits. • Availability to work full time (40 hours or more per week) through a full co-op term running January to August 2026 or June to December 2026. • The ability to enroll on a formalized co-op program through your college or university. • Permanent US Work Authorization required Preferred Qualifications:  • Experience in the manufacturing industry Working Conditions: • Learning Opportunities: Our Student Program is designed to provide hands-on experience in a professional setting. You will work alongside experienced professionals and get a chance to apply your academic knowledge to real-world tasks.  • Project Work: The work environment is supportive, collaborative, and conducive to learning. Student co-ops or interns typically work on specific projects or tasks that contribute to the organization’s goals. This may range from supporting larger projects to handling smaller, individual assignments.   • Hours: Co-ops and Interns are expected to work a full 40-hour work week • Feedback and Performance Reviews: As a co-op or intern, you will receive feedback and performance reviews throughout your assignment. We value the importance for interns to understand their progress and areas for improvement.  • The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $27.50 per hour.  The actual hourly rate offered will vary depending on multiple factors including year in school/credits earned, degree, job-related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location.  At Brunswick, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the specifics of the candidate’s qualifications and the business context. Why Brunswick:   Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge.  As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards !  Mercury Marine: Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com. Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify .

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