Supplier Quality Engineer

About The Company

Our client is a long-established American manufacturer of high-pressure gas and pneumatic systems for demanding defense and industrial applications. They have a strong reputation for engineering excellence, a long history supporting U.S. defense programs, and a growing production footprint across two sites in the western U.S.

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for product and process quality across the external supply chain, from supplier qualification and order placement through delivery and acceptance. You’ll work closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, and supplier partners. You’ll use risk-based thinking, disciplined problem solving, and supplier development to prevent defects, improve delivery reliability, and build supplier capability, while making sure suppliers meet company, customer, regulatory, and QMS requirements. The role reports to the Manager of Supply Chain Quality Assurance.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, and suppliers to improve supplier quality, delivery reliability, process capability, and operational performance
• Support supplier qualification, onboarding, surveillance, periodic reassessment, and Quality Assurance input to the Approved Supplier List using a risk-based approach
• Plan and conduct supplier process, product, and QMS audits, document findings, and verify timely and effective closure of corrective actions
• Lead supplier containment, root cause corrective and preventive action (RCCA/PA), and effectiveness verification for supplier nonconformances and escapes
• Drive supplier development through coaching, performance improvement plans, structured follow-up, and escalation when needed
• Review purchase-order quality clauses, drawings, specifications, and contract requirements so they are complete, accurate, and properly flowed down to suppliers
• Ensure supplier compliance with quality, traceability, certification, and documentation requirements, including Certificates of Conformance, Material Test Reports, and special-process certifications
• Conduct or coordinate supplier source inspections, First Article Inspections, and product acceptance reviews
• Support New Product Introduction and supplier readiness, including capacity, process capability, inspection planning, and production risk reviews
• Monitor and report supplier quality and delivery metrics, identify adverse trends, and start improvement actions early
• Identify and mitigate supplier risks that could affect production, customer commitments, or business continuity
• Coordinate review and disposition of supplier nonconforming material with Engineering, Quality, and the Material Review Board
• Maintain accurate supplier quality records in ERP and electronic QMS systems
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits involving the supply chain and provide objective evidence of compliance
• Keep a strong presence with suppliers and internal teams, flag risks early, and show urgency and ownership in resolving issues
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, or a related technical field (an associate degree plus 4 additional years of relevant quality or manufacturing experience may be considered)
• 2 years in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, quality engineering, or a related operational quality role within aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing
• Experience working within an AS9100 or ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• Working knowledge of supplier audits, RCCA, supplier development, risk management, process controls, and corrective-action effectiveness verification
• Ability to read engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase-order requirements, with working knowledge of GD&T
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP, and electronic QMS tools
• Ability to travel up to 20% and a valid driver’s license
• U.S. Citizen or qualified U.S. Person under export-control regulations; may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace supplier quality requirements, AS9102 First Article Inspection, special processes, and/or customer source inspection
• APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, and MSA
• Lean, Six Sigma, ASQ CQE, Quality Auditor, or equivalent certification
• Experience with machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and test
• Active U.S. Government security clearance
  
  

Work Environment

Work takes place in manufacturing, warehouse, supplier, and office settings. That includes working near machine tools, moving equipment, and lift trucks, with exposure to noise, fumes, oils, coolants, and chemicals. The role requires sitting or standing for long periods, occasional bending, reaching, and lifting, and use of required PPE.