Supplier Quality Engineer

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied materials, components, special processes, and assemblies meet all aerospace quality, regulatory, customer, and contractual requirements. This role serves as the primary quality liaison between the organization and its supply base, driving supplier performance, risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and compliance with Aerospace Quality Management System requirements.

The SQE works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Program Management, and suppliers to ensure product conformity, supplier development, and on-time delivery of high-quality aerospace products.

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.

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.

• 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

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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

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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.

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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.