The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied materials, components, special processes, and assemblies meet all aerospace quality, regulatory, customer, and contractual requirements. This role serves as the primary quality liaison between the organization and its supply base, driving supplier performance, risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and compliance with Aerospace Quality Management System requirements.

The SQE works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Program Management, and suppliers to ensure product conformity, supplier development, and on-time delivery of high-quality aerospace products.

Key Responsibilities:

Supplier Quality Management

Evaluate, qualify, and approve new suppliers in accordance with AS9100, customer requirements, and company quality standards.
Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with applicable aerospace requirements.
Monitor supplier quality performance through established metrics such as PPM, defect rates, audit findings, and corrective action effectiveness.
Support supplier selection and sourcing activities by providing quality risk assessments.

Product and Process Quality Assurance

Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including:

First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) per AS9102
Process Flow Diagrams
PFMEAs
Control Plans
Inspection Plans
Process Certifications
Verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, standards, and customer requirements.
Ensure supplier adherence to special process requirements, including NADCAP-accredited processes when applicable.

Corrective and Preventive Actions

Lead investigations of supplier nonconformances and quality escapes.
Facilitate root cause analysis using methodologies such as:

8D
5 Why
Fishbone Diagram
Fault Tree Analysis
Review and approve supplier corrective action requests (SCARs).
Verify implementation and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.

Supplier Development and Continuous Improvement

Drive supplier improvement initiatives to enhance quality, delivery, and process capability.
Analyze supplier performance data and establish improvement plans for underperforming suppliers.
Collaborate with suppliers to reduce variation, improve manufacturing processes, and implement best practices.
Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the supply chain.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Ensure supplier compliance with:

AS9100 Quality Management Systems
AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements
FAA regulations where applicable
Customer-specific aerospace requirements
Export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) as applicable
Support internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and Program Management to resolve supplier-related quality issues.
Participate in design reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews, and risk assessments.
Support new product introduction (NPI) and production transfer activities.

Required Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's degree in:

Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Quality Engineering
Or a related technical discipline

Experience

5+ years of quality engineering, supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or aerospace quality experience.
Experience working within AS9100-certified environments.
Experience with aerospace manufacturing processes, machining, assembly, composites, castings, forgings, or special processes.

Technical Knowledge

Strong understanding of:

AS9100
AS13100
AS9102
GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
PPAP/APQP principles
Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Risk-based thinking and quality management systems
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and aerospace standards.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and supplier relationship management capabilities.
Effective project management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) - ASQ
Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) - ASQ
Certified Lead Auditor training
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
NADCAP auditing experience
Experience with QT9 QMS Software suite
Experience with ERP and Quality Management Systems (Oracle.)
Experience supporting FAA, DoD, or commercial aerospace customers

Key Competencies

Supplier Relationship Management
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Root Cause Analysis
Continuous Improvement
Technical Problem Solving
Regulatory Compliance
Audit Management
Influencing and Negotiation
Data Analysis and Reporting
Customer Focus

Working Conditions

Frequent interaction with domestic and international suppliers.
Up to 25% travel may be required for supplier audits, assessments, source inspections, and development activities.
work in both office and shop environments.

Success Measures

A successful Supplier Quality Engineer will:

Reduce supplier defect rates and nonconformances.
Improve supplier on-time delivery and quality performance.
Successfully close supplier corrective actions on schedule.
Maintain compliance with aerospace regulatory and customer requirements.
Develop a high-performing, reliable supplier network that supports production and customer commitments.

SQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles.

Must be ITAR compliant.