Supplier Quality Engineer

Position Description

One of our leading aerospace and defense client is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to improve supplier performance, ensure product quality, qualify new suppliers, and resolve supplier-related quality issues. The selected candidate will conduct supplier audits, perform on-site inspections, analyze defect trends, lead root cause investigations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, experience with mechanical manufacturing processes, and the ability to independently manage supplier quality projects through completion. Excellent communication skills are essential for presenting findings, reporting progress, and communicating quality expectations to suppliers and program leadership.

Skills Required

• Supplier quality management, supplier scorecards, performance metrics, and improvement plans.
• Root cause analysis and corrective action management, including 8D problem-solving.
• Production Process Verification (PPV), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• First Article Inspection (FAI) in accordance with AS9102.
• Supplier audits, capability assessments, and on-site source inspections.
• Nonconformance investigation and corrective/preventive action implementation.
• Mechanical drawing interpretation, dimensional inspection, and metrology.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS) and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Experience Required

• Experience inspecting and accepting mechanical components manufactured through multiple processes.
• Knowledge of subtractive and additive manufacturing, including CNC machining, turning, milling, grinding, casting, welding, fabrication, and injection molding.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, surface finish specifications, and measurement data.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD, ANSI, and ISO drawing standards.
• Familiarity with special processes, including coatings, metallization, passivation, heat treatment, painting, and brazing.
• Experience with mechanical and optical metrology, inspection equipment, gauges, and manufacturing quality processes.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain logistics, and quality requirements in aerospace and defense environments.
• Working knowledge of product testing, instrumentation, and Quality Management Systems.

Preferred Experience:

• APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and Control Plans.
• Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma; Green Belt or Black Belt certification is an advantage.
• Product validation, process qualification, and inspection of mechanical and fabricated products.
• Experience with nondestructive testing, composites, thermal processes, welding, brazing, and surface finishes.

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or technical discipline, or four years of equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.