Quality Engineer

Very Fast Growing Manufacturer of Precision Machined Parts and Assemblies for the Defense and Space Industries seeks a Quality Engineer to join its growing team. We are targeting an engineer with a solid foundation in Root Cause Analysis/Corrective Action and ideally some experience interfacing with Suppliers. The company is consistently investing between 7-10 million dollars per year in capital equipment to support sustained growth in the company. Fantastic hiring manager and a very cohesive team.

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring the quality and compliance of all externally sourced plating and surface finishing processes used in the manufacture of precision-machined aerospace and military components. This role focuses on supplier qualification, process oversight, and continuous improvement, ensuring all special process vendors meet AS9100, NADCAP, and customer-specific requirements. The SQE also supports Material Review Board (MRB) activities and leads supplier corrective action and process improvement initiatives to uphold the highest standards of product integrity and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Quality Management / Final Inspection

• Serve as the primary quality interface for all plating, anodizing, conversion coating, passivation, paint, and powder coat suppliers.
• Assist in incoming inspection for outsourced product.
• Ensure supplier adherence to AS9100, NADCAP, MIL, and customer-specific (e.g., SpaceX, Lockheed, Honeywell) specifications.
• Conduct supplier audits, capability assessments, and process reviews focusing on special process controls and traceability.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) for any nonconformances, ensuring root cause is identified and verified for effectiveness.
• Manage supplier performance metrics (PPM, on-time delivery, first-pass yield) and drive supplier improvement plans when necessary.
• Participate in supplier selection and approval process for new plating and finishing vendors.
• Lead and mentor the final inspection team to achieve quality objectives.
• Assist with scheduling priority parts and product movement to help achieve on-time delivery.

Material Review Board (MRB)

• Serve as an MRB member responsible for evaluating and dispositioning nonconforming material related to supplier processes.
• Coordinate with internal quality, manufacturing, and engineering teams to determine root causes and appropriate rework or repair actions.
• Maintain accurate MRB records and ensure timely closure of actions in accordance with internal procedures and AS9100 requirements.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze supplier performance and quality trends to identify opportunities for process improvements and risk reduction.
• Support implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies within supplier processes.
• Work with engineering to review plating and coating specifications for manufacturability and process capability.
• Promote and support supplier training on special process control, documentation, and configuration management.

Technical Support

• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications with advanced understanding of GD&T and plating thickness/tolerance requirements.
• Review supplier process certifications for compliance with drawing, PO, and specification requirements.
• Support internal inspection and testing of plated or coated components, including adhesion, thickness, and surface finish verification.
• Evaluate the applicability of In-Process-Inspection-Record and add new In-Process-Inspection-Record as needed.
• Use industry-standard measurement devices (e.g., micrometers, calipers, height gauges, optical comparators, etc).

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Materials Engineering (or equivalent technical experience).

Experience:

• 2–4 years of supplier quality, process engineering, or special process oversight in a manufacturing environment
• Experience managing plating, coating, or finishing suppliers performing special processes to NADCAP or MIL-SPEC standards.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and DFARS flow-down requirements.