Supplier Quality Engineer

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Quality Management - Evaluate, qualify, and approve new suppliers in accordance with AS9100, customer requirements, and company quality standards. - Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with applicable aerospace requirements. - Monitor supplier quality performance through established metrics such as PPM, defect rates, audit findings, and corrective action effectiveness. - Support supplier selection and sourcing activities by providing quality risk assessments.

Product and Process Quality Assurance - Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including: - First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) per AS9102 - Process Flow Diagrams - PFMEAs - Control Plans - Inspection Plans - Process Certifications - Verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, standards, and customer requirements. - Ensure supplier adherence to special process requirements, including NADCAP-accredited processes when applicable.

Corrective and Preventive Actions - Lead investigations of supplier nonconformances and quality escapes. - Facilitate root cause analysis using methodologies such as: - 8D - 5 Why - Fishbone Diagram - Fault Tree Analysis - Review and approve supplier corrective action requests (SCARs). - Verify implementation and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.

Supplier Development and Continuous Improvement - Drive supplier improvement initiatives to enhance quality, delivery, and process capability. - Analyze supplier performance data and establish improvement plans for underperforming suppliers. - Collaborate with suppliers to reduce variation, improve manufacturing processes, and implement best practices. - Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements - Ensure supplier compliance with: - AS9100 Quality Management Systems - AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements - FAA regulations where applicable - Customer-specific aerospace requirements - Export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) as applicable - Support internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.

Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and Program Management to resolve supplier-related quality issues. - Participate in design reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews, and risk assessments. - Support new product introduction (NPI) and production transfer activities.

Required Qualifications:

Education - Bachelor's degree in: - Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Quality Engineering - Or a related technical discipline

Experience - 5+ years of quality engineering, supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or aerospace quality experience. - Experience working within AS9100-certified environments. - Experience with aerospace manufacturing processes, machining, assembly, composites, castings, forgings, or special processes.

Technical Knowledge - Strong understanding of: - AS9100 - AS13100 - AS9102 - GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) - PPAP/APQP principles - Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) - Statistical Process Control (SPC) - Risk-based thinking and quality management systems - Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and aerospace standards.

Skills - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Excellent communication and supplier relationship management capabilities. - Effective project management and organizational skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aerospace environment. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality management systems.

Preferred Qualifications: - Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) - ASQ - Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) - ASQ - Certified Lead Auditor training - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt - NADCAP auditing experience - Experience with QT9 QMS Software suite - Experience with ERP and Quality Management Systems (Oracle.) - Experience supporting FAA, DoD, or commercial aerospace customers

Key Competencies - Supplier Relationship Management - Risk Assessment and Mitigation - Root Cause Analysis - Continuous Improvement - Technical Problem Solving - Regulatory Compliance - Audit Management - Influencing and Negotiation - Data Analysis and Reporting - Customer Focus

Working Conditions - Frequent interaction with domestic and international suppliers. - Up to 25% travel may be required for supplier audits, assessments, source inspections, and development activities. - work in both office and shop environments.

Success Measures

A successful Supplier Quality Engineer will: - Reduce supplier defect rates and nonconformances. - Improve supplier on-time delivery and quality performance. - Successfully close supplier corrective actions on schedule. - Maintain compliance with aerospace regulatory and customer requirements. - Develop a high-performing, reliable supplier network that supports production and customer commitments.