Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description SummaryThe Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible in managing supplier quality, conducting supplier audits, root cause analysis and quality control systems ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards, and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain with a focus of risk management. Overseeing supplier performance, resolving quality issues, leading corrective actions, and fostering strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure that delivered components meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability. Responsible for resolving complex quality issues and implementing quality improvement initiatives within the supply chain.
The Supplier Quality Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including procurement, manufacturing, and engineering, to ensure supplier compliance with all regulatory and quality requirements.Job Description

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage supplier quality assurance processes to ensure that supplied parts and materials meet the highest quality standards and comply with all aerospace industry regulations AS9100, AS13100,  ISO 9001, FAA, GE Quality Specs, etc.
• Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives and ensure suppliers meet or exceed performance targets in areas such as quality, cost, and delivery.
• Collaborate with sourcing and procurement teams to qualify new suppliers, ensuring they meet required specifications, certifications, manufacturing capabilities, and compliance with industry-specific regulations (AS9100, AS13100,  ISO 9001, FAA, GE Quality Specs, etc.).
• Conduct regular supplier audits, including system, process, and product audits, to assess adherence to quality systems, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities for supplier process improvements and work with suppliers to implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address identified non-conformities.
• Perform risk assessments and manage supplier risk mitigation activities, ensuring continuity of supply and product quality.
• Lead the investigation of supplier-related quality issues using structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, FMEA) to identify root causes.
• Drive the implementation of corrective and preventive actions to eliminate root causes of quality issues, collaborating with both internal and supplier teams. Ensure timely closure and verification of CAPA actions to prevent recurrence of quality problems.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives with key suppliers using Lean, Six Sigma, and other process optimization methodologies to improve supplier performance, reduce defects, and increase operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal teams (engineering, production, and procurement) and suppliers to drive initiatives aimed at reducing cost, improving delivery performance, and enhancing product quality.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure supplier performance in areas such as quality, on-time delivery, and cost.
• Manage supplier scorecards and conduct performance reviews, providing feedback and action plans to address any performance issues.
• Collaborate with the sourcing team to escalate critical supplier performance issues and develop action plans to resolve.
• Act as the primary point of contact for suppliers regarding quality issues, ensuring clear communication and prompt resolution of issues.
• Work closely with internal engineering teams to address product design issues or changes that may affect supplier quality or production.
• Support internal manufacturing teams in resolving supplier-related quality problems, including the development of control plans and inspection requirements.
• Manage the preparation and submission of supplier First Article Inspections (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation to ensure products are ready for production release.
• Review and update supplier quality agreements and contracts to ensure they reflect current regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier quality activities, including audits, inspection results, corrective actions, and supplier performance metrics.
• Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on supplier quality performance, trends, key initiatives, improvement projects and improvement actions.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry.
• In-depth experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, AS13100, Nadcap, FAA, and other relevant aerospace quality standards and regulations.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a plus
• Proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Proven track record of conducting supplier audits and driving supplier improvement initiatives.
• Strong experience in root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
• Hands-on experience with quality core tools (SPC, FMEA, Control Plan, PPAP, APQP, etc.), and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
• Experience with First Article Inspections (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and quality software tools (e.g., SAP, Minitab, etc.).
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and standards.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex quality issues to senior management and external auditors.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for delivering training, reports, and interacting with customers and regulatory bodies.
• Analytical thinking with a focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Humble: respectful, receptive, agile, eager to learn​
• Transparent: shares critical information, speaks with candor, contributes constructively​
• Focused: quick learner, strategically prioritizes work, committed ​
• Leadership ability: strong communicator, decision-maker, collaborative​
• Problem solver: analytical-minded, challenges existing processes, critical thinker

Additional Information