Supplier Quality Engineer

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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •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.

• •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

• •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.

• •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.
• •Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

• •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.

• •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

• •Frequent interaction with domestic and international suppliers.