Quality Engineer Supplier Audits

Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer – Aerospace Manufacturing

Location: California on the West Coast and a position on the East Coast

Department: Quality Assurance
Reports to: Sr Director, Quality
Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join our aerospace manufacturing team. The SQE will be responsible for evaluating and auditing supplier processes to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality expectations. This role involves close collaboration with suppliers to drive continuous improvement and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality materials, components, and assemblies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct process audits at supplier facilities to assess quality systems, manufacturing practices, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP).
• Evaluate and approve new suppliers, including performing initial qualification audits and ongoing surveillance.
• Develop, maintain, and execute supplier audit schedules based on risk assessments and performance history.
• Work closely with suppliers to investigate non-conformances, determine root causes, and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Monitor and report on supplier quality performance metrics, including PPAP/FAI results, delivery quality, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and program management to support new product introduction (NPI) and supplier readiness.
• Ensure supplier processes are capable and controlled for critical aerospace components and special processes.
• Assist in developing and maintaining supplier quality agreements and related documentation.
• Stay current on aerospace quality regulations, customer-specific requirements, and industry trends.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality, preferably in the aerospace or defense manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, FAI/PPAP, and aerospace quality system requirements.
• Experience conducting process and system audits; auditing certification (e.g., AS9100 Lead Auditor) is a plus.
• Familiarity with special processes (e.g., heat treating, welding, plating, NDT).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and experience with DMAIC, 8D, Fishbone, 5 Whys, or similar root cause analysis tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
• Willingness to travel up to 30–50% domestically or internationally, as needed.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with APQP, DFMEA/PFMEA, and control plans.
• Proficient in tools like SAP, ERP systems, Microsoft Office, Minitab or other quality software.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies (certification is a plus).