Donaldson Company

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is a trusted technical leader who elevates the capability of Donaldson’s external supply base. You will assess, qualify, and continuously develop suppliers so they reliably meet Donaldson’s quality, delivery, and cost objectives. You will drive robust Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and flawless SPPAP execution for new programs and critical transitions. You will lead complex problem-solving and corrective‑action activities that protect our customers and advance supplier performance. You will serve as the primary liaison between suppliers and cross‑functional plant, engineering, purchasing, and global quality teams. You will mentor / Coach Donaldson employees and actively contribute to Donaldson’s global communities of practice and value‑improvement initiatives. You will apply risk‑based prioritization (Pareto, impact–effort matrix) to balance urgent escalations against strategic initiatives, keeping workload < 100 % effective capacity. This position will work out of our Bloomington, MN office on a hybrid schedule.

Role Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute initial capability audits, annual recertifications, and special‑cause assessments at supplier and key sub‑tier sites
• Maintain the regional audit roadmap; issue concise, data‑driven reports and track closure of findings
• Lead suppliers through APQP, SRR, and full PPAP / SPPAP submissions—including risk reviews, MSA, PFMEA, and control plans
• Before launch, validate process capability (Cp/Cpk), GR&R, and special characteristics
• Own containment, root‑cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa), and sustainable corrective actions for escalated NCRs or customer issues
• Monitor DPPM, COPQ, and On-time Delivery; publish scorecards and facilitate supplier business reviews
• Build and execute data‑driven improvement roadmaps; deploy Lean / Six Sigma, SPC, and DOE to reduce variation and risk
• Coach suppliers on Donaldson’s Quality Manual, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949 expectations; deliver on‑site or virtual training as needed
• Facilitate supplier corrective‑action workshops to resolve systemic issues and strengthen relationships
• Influence cross‑functional stakeholders to resolve conflicts and remove roadblocks
• Lead/participate in core teams for high‑visibility APD launches; align Engineering, Sourcing, and Plant Quality on risk mitigation, deliverables, and gated timelines
• Escalate critical issues through structured project governance, ensuring executive awareness and timely decision‑making
• Ensure full compliance with Donaldson procedures, customer requirements, and regulatory standards
• Help shape departmental policy and continuous‑improvement strategies
• Deliver annual targets for DPPM, COPQ savings, and audit‑finding closure; quantify and communicate the financial impact of SQE actions at the Business Unit level

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or related engineering discipline
• 5 + years of progressive supplier quality / quality experience in a manufacturing environment
• Certified Lead Auditor or Internal Audit Experience (ISO 9001 and /or IATF 16949) standards
• Demonstrated mastery of statistical analysis tools such as APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA, FMEA, GD&T, DOE
• Willing and able to travel up to 50 %

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven success leading multi‑site supplier development or corrective‑action projects
• Strong analytical, project‑management, and presentation skills; proficiency with Minitab (or equivalent)
• Fluent English (written & spoken); ability to influence at all organizational levels
• ASQ CQE, CSSBB, or Certified Supplier Quality Professional
• Extensive supplier‑quality experience across fabricated and formed metals, advanced filtration media, and engineered plastics (injection molding, extrusion).
• Familiarity with automotive or heavy‑equipment customer requirements (e.g., VDA 6.3, Formel Q).
• Previous mentoring or team-leader experience.

Annual Salary Range : $86,200 - $111,00 annually. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, performance.

Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid parental leave) and more.

Key Words: Data Engineering, Python, SQL, DevOps, AWS, Azure, Oracle

#LI-Hybrid

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.