Supplier Quality Engineer

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) plays a critical role in ensuring that external suppliers meet the company’s stringent aerospace quality standards and delivery requirements. This position is responsible for leading supplier qualification and approval activities, monitoring ongoing performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. The SQE partners closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders—including Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain—to maintain compliance with aerospace standards and support the production of high-reliability components and assemblies. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the supplier approval and qualification process, assessing manufacturing capabilities, special processes, and adherence to aerospace quality requirements. 

• Evaluate and analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, mitigate risk, and drive corrective and preventive actions. 

• Collaborate with suppliers to develop and execute corrective action plans, ensuring timely resolution of quality issues and root cause elimination. 

• Provide guidance and training to suppliers on quality tools, AS9100 and AS9102 requirements, and continuous improvement methodologies. 

• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues, support design changes, and improve manufacturability. 

• Create, issue, and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs); track completion and verify effectiveness. 

• Collect, maintain, and report supplier performance metrics, including quality, delivery, and responsiveness. 

• Support supplier audits, source inspections, and first article review activities as needed. 

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects and improving supplier capability and consistency. 

• Participate in special projects and quality system improvements as assigned. 

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred. 

• Minimum 3 years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing engineering within the aerospace or precision manufacturing industry. 

• Strong understanding of AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. 

• Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation and review. 

• Familiarity with special processes (e.g., heat treat, coatings, NDT, welding) and related aerospace quality requirements. 

• Proficiency in root cause analysis, corrective action development, and statistical process control (SPC). 

• Solid understanding of fabrication-based quality control methods and dimensional inspection techniques. 

• Skilled in data analysis, supplier performance tracking, and reporting. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal and external teams. 

• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites for audits, evaluations, and development activities. 

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 

• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 

• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 

• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 

• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 

• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play! 

Company Overview 

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  

the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.  
E-Verify participation required for employment.  
Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.     
Must be able to pass background check.    
Pay Range: $ 100,000-135,000 Salary Exempt (DOE)