Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer
Exempt Status: Exempt
Location: Cheshire, CT
Company Description:
Hanwha Aerospace USA has long been recognized as a leader in the development and supply of flight critical Aerospace/Defense components and assemblies. Operating out of four state-of-the-art facilities located in Connecticut, Hanwha Aerospace USA offers growth and career development opportunities to enrich your talents.
Summary:
We are seeking a SQE who will be responsible for the Organization’s Supplier Quality Program to drive improvement in the Supply Chain by assuring adequacy in the Suppliers’ Quality Program and Inspection Methods. Additionally, the SQE shall participate in key processes which include Material Review Board, Supplier Audits / Surveillance, issuance of Supplier Corrective Action Requests, and Supplier Performance Rating program. Moreover, the SQE shall, as necessary, work with the appropriate technical groups to define Supplier specifications as appropriate.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as the primary Supplier Quality focal point for PPAP, FAI, and KPC execution to prevent qualification or compliance issues from impacting production and delivery
- Analyze supplier performance data to determine continuous improvement opportunities to enhance supplier performance.
- Maintain accurate and current supplier quality records, such as supplier audits, certifications and supplier corrective action responses.
- Work with Procurement to define a Supplier Rating program and establish key Supplier Quality Metrics.
- Apply demonstrated understanding of the relevant product or customer specifications, flow down documents, procedures, engineering or process drawings and regulating agent body requirements that apply to the products and suppliers.
- Lead Supplier Quality Assurance program by utilization of the Supplier Rating Program, key Supplier Quality Metrics, etc.
- Enhance current Approved Supplier Listing (ASL) database to ensure full control of suppliers and audit compliance.
- Issue, monitor, and maintain Supplier Corrective Action database.
- Work effectively with suppliers to resolve problems using Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA) tools.
- Participate with the Sourcing team to select and manage assigned suppliers.
- Develop supplier quality policies and procedures as required.
- Perform supplier capability and quality/risk assessments.
- Benchmark world-class suppliers to assist the present supply base and identify future suppliers.
- Perform other related duties or responsibilities as required
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by the U.S. Government and able to work without restrictions with ITAR related data
- Bachelors Degree in Engineering or other related field required
- 5+ years experience in a manufacturing environment; aerospace preferred
- 3+ years of Quality Experience with prime focus on Supplier Initiatives
- 3+ years of Supplier Quality Auditing experience
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must be able to read, write, understand, and speak English at a functional level
- Demonstrates strong understanding of Quality methods and systems in a manufacturing environment with complete understanding of Root Cause Investigation/Lean Practices and Principles
- Demonstrates solid understanding of AS9100 and ISO-9000 standards.
- Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary for dealing with all levels of internal and external suppliers and customers
- Exemplary time-management, communication, technical writing, presentation development, facilitation, and organizational skills.
- Thorough knowledge of quality methods and systems (statistics, reliability, sampling, and auditing.)
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is recommended; Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is preferred.
- Knowledge and experience with Continuous Improvement Methodologies (6 Sigma, Lean Mfg. etc.); Greenbelt preferred.
- Demonstrates analytical and problem- solving skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (Syteline/or Epicor preferred).
- Ability to travel up to 30% - Supplier visits / audits (primarily domestic with potential for international)
Physical Demands / Work Capacity Evaluation
The essential functions of this position may vary based on specific assignments, work locations, and operational needs. Physical capability is evaluated through a post-offer, pre-employment Human Performance Evaluation (HPE), which assesses an individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable laws.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform.
Hanwha Aerospace USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity or Expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
*Subject to change with or without notice*
Rev 1 – 8/27/2025
Skills Required
- U.S. Person status and ability to work without restrictions with ITAR-related data
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field
- At least 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment
- At least 3 years of quality experience focused on supplier initiatives
- At least 3 years of supplier quality auditing experience
- Functional English reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking ability
- Understanding of quality methods and systems in manufacturing, root-cause investigation, and Lean practices
- Understanding of AS9100 and ISO 9000 standards
- Interpersonal and communication skills for working with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders
- Knowledge of quality methods including statistics, reliability, sampling, and auditing
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification
- Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) certification
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing continuous improvement experience
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification
- Experience with Syteline or Epicor ERP systems
What We Do
Hanwha Aerospace USA prides itself on its entrepreneurial culture. We seek to employ people who enjoy working on the business, while working in the business. This innovative spirit, combined with a robust continuous improvement structure, has supported our market leading growth in the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry. At four modern sites in Connecticut, spanning 500,000 square feet, the team works tirelessly to perfect engineering and manufacturing processes. We deploy the best available equipment to provide prototyping and production solutions for our customers. We are a proven supplier who is trusted to develop and manufacture the most complex components, used in the most advanced commercial and military applications in the world.
