Supplier Quality Co-op, Milpitas

The Supplier Quality Engineering Co-op supports the Supplier Quality team in maintaining and improving the quality of materials, components, and services from external suppliers. Working under experienced Supplier Quality Engineers, the co-op contributes to supplier performance monitoring, quality data analysis, documentation, investigations, qualification activities, and continuous improvement projects in a regulated medical device environment.

The role offers practical experience applying engineering, quality, and problem-solving principles while working with cross-functional teams and suppliers. The co-op is expected to follow company procedures, protect confidential information, and support environmental, health, and safety objectives.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Support cross-functional Supplier Quality projects in line with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and present supplier quality data, including nonconformance, defect, delivery, audit, and performance information.
• Create and maintain supplier scorecards, trend charts, trackers, and concise status reports using Excel, PowerPoint, and other approved systems.
• Assist Supplier Quality Engineers with qualification records, specifications, inspection plans, control plans, and validation documentation.
• Support supplier-related nonconformance investigations by gathering evidence, documenting problem statements, reviewing records, and tracking corrective actions.
• Take part in root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities using structured problem-solving tools under the direction of a Supplier Quality Engineer.
• Help prepare for supplier audits, quality reviews, and supplier meetings, then document actions and follow up with assigned owners.
• Review quality records and technical documentation for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with approved requirements.
• Help identify process variation, recurring defects, overdue actions, and other potential supplier or supply chain risks for team review.
• Track project schedules, commitments, and due dates, and promptly communicate risks, gaps, and support needed.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and other functions to complete assigned work.
• Perform other Supplier Quality and Quality Assurance activities suited to the student's education, experience, and level of supervision.

Learning and Development Opportunities

• Gain hands-on exposure to supplier quality management in a regulated medical device environment.
• Build skills in quality data analysis, technical documentation, investigation support, supplier performance monitoring, and project management.
• See how Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Procurement work together to manage supplier and product risk.
• Present project results and recommendations to Supplier Quality and cross-functional stakeholders.

Supervision

This position has no supervisory responsibility. The co-op performs assigned work under close to general supervision, follows defined procedures, and receives regular coaching and review from a Supplier Quality Engineer or Quality Assurance manager. The co-op does not independently approve quality records, make final product disposition decisions, or act as the accountable quality authority.

Additional Position Requirements

• Primarily onsite in Milpitas, California.
• Occasional local or supplier-site travel may be requested when appropriate and approved.
• Ability to work in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and warehouse environments as required, while following applicable safety and gowning requirements.

Benefits

Co-ops and interns are eligible for company sponsored medical benefits under the terms of the plan, up to 40 hours of sick time per calendar year (up to 56 hours for employees in the State of Washington), and the Company's consolidated retirement plan (pension).