Principal Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description
What's it like to drive quality excellence and innovation in a fast-paced defense industry environment? Rewarding.
BAE Systems is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Supplier Quality Engineer to lead our Procurement Quality Support Engineering (PQSE) Team for a specific vehicle platform. This strategic leadership role reports directly to the Procurement Quality Program Manager and is critical in driving quality excellence, innovation, and technical expertise across our supply chain.
Note: This position can support at our sites in either Anniston, Alabama or Elgin, Oklahoma.
Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted advisor and external spokesperson for the organization on major quality-related matters, interacting with senior external personnel and stakeholders to drive business outcomes.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to complex quality problems, leveraging extensive expertise and knowledge of related disciplines to drive business results.
• Lead a team of Junior and Senior Quality Engineers and Technologists in floor support initiatives, investigations, non-conformance reporting and trending, Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) involvement and trending, Supplier First Article planning and review, and APQP/PPAP.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, improve processes, and enhance overall quality performance, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Serve as a consultant to management and special external spokesperson for the organization on major matters pertaining to PQSE policies, plans, and objectives.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering or technical field of study and 6 years related work experience, specifically in a quality engineering or similar field, with a strong track record of leadership, technical expertise, and innovation.
• Ability to apply extensive expertise using knowledge of other related disciplines to drive business results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with others, including senior external personnel and stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of mechanical drawing interpretation, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances (GD&T), Failure Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, and Corrective/Preventative Actions.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 Quality Systems, AS9102B First Article Requirements, and other industry standards.
• Proven problem-solving skills, with experience using typical Quality gauges and measuring tools (e.g., Calipers, Micrometers, Pin Gauges).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and related industry software applications.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience in a Defense Prime Contract environment.
• Knowledgeable with product line validations, test plans, test equipment, and product qualification.
• Familiarity with specific manufacturing processes, such as forgings, castings, foundries, machining, welding, brazing, finishes, coatings, nondestructive testing, fabrication, composites, electrical/electronics, and other common processes in the Naval, Defense, and Aerospace industries.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) or equivalent.
• Project management certifications such as: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) or similar.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $96623 - $164259
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.