Supplier Manufacturing Specialist

Aerospace Precision Metal Machining

Location: Greater Phoenix Area

Reports to: VP of Supply chain

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

REQUIRED:  Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship or Valid Permanent Resident status is required.

Position Summary

The Supplier Manufacturing Specialist serves as the technical expert supporting the company's outsourced machining supply base. This position partners closely with suppliers to ensure they possess the manufacturing capability, capacity, quality systems, and technical expertise required to produce complex aerospace and defense components.

The ideal candidate is an experienced CNC machining professional with a strong background in machining processes, CNC programming, tooling, setup, and quality requirements. This individual will regularly visit supplier facilities to evaluate capabilities, assist with process improvements, support production challenges, validate manufacturing readiness, and help ensure suppliers consistently meet delivery and quality expectations.

Working closely with the Supplier Development Manager, Supplier Account Manager, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering, and Operations, this role plays a key part in building and maintaining a world-class outsourced manufacturing network.

Responsibilities:

Supplier Technical Support

• Serve as the primary technical resource for outsourced machining suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier manufacturing capabilities for new and existing programs.
• Conduct onsite supplier assessments, capability reviews, and manufacturing audits.
• Validate supplier capacity and identify potential production constraints.
• Assist suppliers with machining process improvements, setup optimization, tooling selection, and programming challenges.
• Support suppliers in resolving manufacturing issues affecting quality, delivery, or productivity.

Manufacturing Process Support

• Review engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements with suppliers.
• Assess manufacturability of components and recommend improvements to reduce risk and improve efficiency.
• Evaluate machining strategies for CNC lathes, multi-axis mills, Swiss machines, and other precision machining equipment.
• Provide technical support during new product launches and production transfers.
• Assist with make-versus-buy evaluations and supplier capability matching.

Quality & Production Support

• Support supplier First Article Inspections (AS9102) and production readiness activities.
• Participate in FAI reviews and onsite buy-offs when required.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective actions related to supplier quality issues.
• Verify suppliers understand customer quality requirements and manufacturing specifications.
• Partner with Quality to improve supplier performance and reduce defects.

Supplier Development

• Identify opportunities for process improvements at supplier facilities.
• Recommend best practices to improve productivity, quality, and delivery performance.
• Support supplier development initiatives to expand manufacturing capabilities.
• Work with suppliers to improve throughput, reduce setup times, and eliminate waste.
• Provide technical guidance during supplier onboarding and qualification.

Cross-Functional Support

• Work closely with the Supplier Development Manager during supplier selection and sourcing decisions.
• Support Purchasing during supplier evaluations and RFQ reviews by providing technical input.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production Control, Quality, and Operations to resolve supplier-related issues.
• Support recovery plans for critical supplier shortages and late deliveries.
• Maintain documentation related to supplier assessments, audits, and technical evaluations.

Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on CNC machining or manufacturing experience, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Strong experience with CNC lathes, multi-axis mills, Swiss machining, and precision machining processes.
• Experience with CNC programming, tooling selection, fixturing, and machining process development.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing issues and improving machining processes.
• Previous experience as a CNC Programmer, Lead Machinist, Manufacturing Supervisor, Shop Manager, Manufacturing Specialist, or similar technical manufacturing role is highly desirable.

Education

• Technical degree, trade school, apprenticeship, or equivalent manufacturing experience preferred.
• Engineering degree is welcome but not required.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of aerospace machining practices and customer specifications.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T.
• Knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements, and aerospace quality systems.
• Understanding of machining cycle times, capacity planning, tooling, fixtures, and production flow.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing documentation.

Skills & Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of CNC machining and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with suppliers.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Travel Requirements

• Travel up to 40% (mostly within AZ) as required to supplier locations for audits, capability assessments, production support, first article inspections, and supplier development activities.

Success Measures

• Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD)
• Supplier Quality Performance (PPM)
• FAI Approval Success Rate
• Supplier Capacity Readiness
• Cost Reduction and Process Improvement Initiatives
• Supplier Corrective Action Closure Performance
• Overall Supplier Scorecard Performance