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.
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.
Due to the nature of our business programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.
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, specification