Apparel supplier quality engineer

About the Role

As an Apparel Supplier Quality Engineer, you will be the on-the-ground quality leader for our supplier based in Mexico and Central America (El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala). You will partner closely with factories at every stage of the product lifecycle, from pre-production through final inspection, to ensure Ariat’s quality standards are met consistently. This is a highly autonomous, field-based role with significant impact on product quality and supplier performance. This role requires frequent travel - approximately 70% of the time.

You’ll Make a Difference

By Supplier Quality & Auditing

• Conducting Quality Management System audits at new and existing suppliers to assess capability and compliance.
• Leading supplier qualification plans and activities, advising on supplier selection decisions.
• Reviewing supplier performance scorecards regularly, identifying trends and driving measurable improvements.
• Leading issue resolution and corrective action (CAPA) processes, ensuring timely and effective remediation.

Production & Inspection

• Arranging and conducting in-line and final product inspections, providing technical guidance and solutions on quality issues.
• Participating in and advise during supplier pre-production meetings to ensure control plans are aligned with Ariat quality standards.
• Reviewing development and pre-production samples against specifications to confirm they meet standards before bulk production begins.
• Identifying product quality risks early and develop proactive solution plans.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborating closely with HQ teams across Sourcing, Production, Technical Design, and Quality to align on standards and priorities.
• Executing and continuously improve the regional supplier quality strategy in partnership with the global Supplier Quality team.
• Maintaining professional, solutions-oriented relationships with suppliers to resolve disputes constructively.
• Assisting with other responsibilities based on business needs.

About You

• 10+ years of quality operations experience in the apparel and denim industry, ideally with a regional supplier base.
• Degree in Engineering, Apparel, Textiles, or a related discipline.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish (written and verbal).
• Deep familiarity with garment construction, fabric quality, and apparel manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of US product safety standards and regulations (e.g., ASTM, CPSC, AATCC).
• Proven experience leading root cause analysis and CAPA processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build trust with suppliers across cultures.
• High degree of self-direction and comfort operating independently in a field-based, travel-heavy role.
• Proficiency with quality management systems and tools in English.

About Ariat

Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style. This contract position may be eligible for select benefits through the payrolling agency. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance options and 401k. Ariat will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws. Ariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local law. Ariat is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process, email human.resources@ariat.com. Please see our Employment Candidate Privacy Policy at www.ariat.com/careers to learn more about how we collect, use, retain and disclose Personal Information. Please note that Ariat does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agreement, Ariat will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter/agency placement fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed Agreement, Ariat explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted directly to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Ariat.