Supplier Quality Engineer

Summary

Experienced quality professional ensuring aerospace supplier compliance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards. Skilled in audits, root cause analysis, FAI, and corrective actions. Proven track record improving supplier performance, relationships, reducing defects, and supporting flight-critical part reliability 

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

Other tasks and duties may be required as directed.

Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 and ISO 9001 and identify root causes of non-conformances for corrective action.

Review and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) to validate supplier manufacturing processes, ensuring any deviations are investigated and corrected before production release.

Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives by analyzing the root cause of quality issues and implementing sustainable solutions to prevent recurrence.

Monitor and analyze supplier performance metrics such as defect rates and delivery delays, and initiate improvement plans when performance falls below acceptable thresholds.

Evaluate and qualify new suppliers through rigorous assessments, identifying potential risks and ensuring corrective actions are in place before approval.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve supplier-related quality issues, ensuring root cause analysis is performed and corrective actions are tracked to closure.

Review and validate supplier-submitted quality documentation such as PPAPs and control plans, and request revisions or corrective actions when discrepancies are found.

Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities by analyzing recurring issues and driving corrective actions that enhance supplier quality and reliability.

Provide technical support and guidance to suppliers to help them understand root causes of quality failures and implement effective corrective and preventive measures.

Maintain and manage the Approved Supplier List (ASL) by regularly evaluating supplier performance, updating qualification status, and ensuring only approved vendors are used for procurement.

Generate and present supplier quality reports by compiling data on non-conformances, audit findings, and performance trends to support management reviews and strategic decision-making.

Qualification Requirements

Education/Experience

Bachelors degree in engineering, Quality Assurance, or a related technical field (Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial preferred)

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar certification is highly desirable

Knowledge of aerospace standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and FAA/EASA regulations

35 years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing quality in aerospace or a regulated industry

Demonstrated success in managing supplier relationships and driving quality improvements

Experience working in cross-functional teams and communicating with internal and external stakeholders

Language Skills

Strong command of the English language, both written and spoken.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

Skilled in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.

Capable of addressing inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders.

Comfortable presenting information and responding to questions from managers, employees, and the public.

Math Skills

Proficient in applying mathematical concepts such as probability, statistics, geometry, and trigonometry.

Able to use fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions for practical applications.

Reasoning Skills

Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, analysis, and draw valid conclusions.

Must be capable to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions, such as, mathematical, and/or diagram form, and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer/ Office Skills

Microsoft Access

Good Understanding of ERP systems

Microsoft Office Excel, Word, Power Point, and Access

Advanced Blueprint Reading

Kaizen, PDSA, Continuous Improvement models

CQA/CQE certification (preferred)

Technical/Soft skills

Proficiency in quality tools: Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 8D, FMEA, PPAP, APQP, and SPC

Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) and supplier audits

Familiarity with GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processes

Strong understanding of corrective and preventive action (CAPA) system

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented with a proactive mindset

Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands 

Frequent activities: Sitting, typing, handling objects, talking/hearing, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 10lbs.

Occasional activities: Standing, walking, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 25lbs

Rare activities: Climbing/balancing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting/pushing/pulling up to 50+lbs

Vision Requirements

Frequent: Close vision and computer monitor use

Occasional: Color vision and ability to adjust focus

Rare: Distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception

Work Environment

Frequent exposure: Quiet noise

Occasional exposure: Mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, toxic chemicals, moderate-to-loud noise levels

Rare exposure: High places, outdoor weather, electrical shock, vibration, very quiet noise and very loud noise 

$83k - $100k