Supplier Development Engineer

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly. Who We’re Looking For We are seeking a skilled and motivated Supplier Development Engineer to support the Ranger spacecraft program by ensuring the technical capability, quality, and performance of suppliers responsible for manufacturing critical spacecraft hardware. In this role, you will qualify new suppliers, resolve quality and delivery challenges, and support supplier development initiatives as our Tulsa manufacturing operations scale toward rate production. You will work closely with design engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure suppliers consistently deliver high-quality machined, welded, composite, and electromechanical components that meet program requirements. You will play a key role in evaluating supplier capabilities, improving manufacturing processes, and strengthening supplier performance to support spacecraft production and mission success. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working directly with suppliers, solving complex manufacturing and quality challenges, and building strong partnerships that support reliable, scalable spacecraft production. Where You’ll Make an Impact Assess, qualify, and onboard suppliers for machined parts, weldments, tanks, composites, harnesses, and special processes Lead supplier quality and delivery improvement: root cause, corrective action, and verification at supplier sites Review supplier capabilities, capacity, and process controls against Ranger requirements and rate plans Support first-article inspection, PPAP, and process qualification at suppliers Partner with design engineering, supply chain, and quality to resolve drawing, specification, and manufacturability issues with suppliers Conduct supplier audits and surveillance and maintain approved supplier status Support make/buy analysis and transition of parts between suppliers and in-house production Track supplier performance metrics and drive improvement plans Support source selection and technical evaluation of bids What It Takes Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline 3+ years of experience in supplier quality, supplier development, manufacturing engineering, or quality engineering Experience with precision machining, welding, or composite manufacturing processes Nice-to-Have Experience Experience in aerospace or defense supplier development and quality Experience with AS9100, AS9102 first-article inspection, PPAP, and supplier audits Experience with Nadcap special processes (heat treat, NDT, welding, coatings) Experience with GD&T, drawing interpretation, and manufacturability review Experience with structured problem solving (8D, 5 Whys, DMAIC) and statistical process control Experience helping suppliers scale capacity for rate production Experience with ERP and supplier quality management systems Strong communicator comfortable working on supplier shop floors What You’ll Get Ownership – Take responsibility for supplier development, qualification, and performance across critical spacecraft hardware and manufacturing processes supporting the Ranger program Innovation – Collaborate with suppliers and engineering teams to develop advanced manufacturing capabilities and scalable production processes for next-generation spacecraft technologies Impact – Play a direct role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and timely delivery of mission-critical spacecraft components supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions Growth – Join a collaborative, fast-paced engineering and manufacturing team where you can expand your technical expertise, strengthen supplier partnerships, and help scale spacecraft production capabilities Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation. Location: Tulsa, OK The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package. Additional Requirements To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. #J-18808-Ljbffr