Lead, Supplier Quality Engineer

About Day & Zimmermann

At our Day & Zimmermann Munitions Plants, we know the stakes and we do what we say! ® We’re the team working behind the scenes to make sure our nation’s front lines have safe, high‑quality ammunition. As a trusted premier manufacturer of ammunition to the U.S. Military, our capabilities range from production of direct and indirect fire components to special projects and beyond. With more than 120 years of experience, our teams consistently exceed expectations. Join our purpose – we put people to work, protect American freedoms, and help our customers power and improve the world.

Job Summary

The Lead Supplier Quality Engineer at Day & Zimmermann plays a critical leadership role within the Supplier Quality Team, specifically supporting the Lone Star division in Texarkana, TX. The position mentors and guides Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs), ensuring effective monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of supplier quality performance in line with organizational standards and government contracting requirements. The Lead oversees quality‑assurance programs—including process audits, Quality Management System (QMS) adherence, and source inspections—to ensure suppliers meet stringent quality and delivery standards for munitions and government operations. This role requires strong project‑management and communication skills, deep technical knowledge of quality‑engineering principles, and the ability to influence cross‑functional teams such as purchasing and contracts. The successful candidate will drive supplier development programs and help maintain Day & Zimmermann’s reputation for excellence in supplier quality and operational reliability.

Responsibilities

• Quality Manual Development & Team Leadership (25 %): Lead SQEs in supporting the Quality Director by developing and maintaining the Supplier Quality Manual, ensuring supplier adherence to established standards and protocols. Provide coaching and performance expectations to enhance supplier communication, engagement, and continuous quality improvement.
• Supplier Corrective Action Program (25 %): Design and implement a corrective‑action program that ensures rapid response and resolution to supplier quality issues. Track open cases and verify corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
• Supplier Performance Management (15 %): Establish and maintain a comprehensive supplier quality rating system, identify under‑performing suppliers, and collaborate with SQEs to develop improvement plans while leveraging high‑performing suppliers to promote best practices.
• Audit and Compliance (15 %): Plan and execute internal and external supplier quality audits to verify compliance with product specifications, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards. Facilitate continuous compliance monitoring to mitigate quality risks.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration (15 %): Partner with the purchasing department to develop streamlined processes for managing defective products and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of quality issues from identification through resolution.
• Supplier Development & Contract Support (5 %): Lead initiatives to strengthen supplier development programs that ensure on‑time delivery of quality products. Work with contracts and purchasing to enhance contract language supporting timely receipt of compliant goods.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical proficiency with quality‑assurance tools and methodologies, including statistical process control (SPC), control plans, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Strong analytical skills for root‑cause analysis and systematic problem‑solving to identify defects and implement effective countermeasures.
• Familiarity with quality control processes, blueprint reading, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and QMS relevant to manufacturing and supplier quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing for reports, quality manuals, and supplier communications.
• Proven leadership and coaching ability to mentor and develop a team of engineers in a collaborative environment.
• Proficiency with quality‑management software, data‑analysis tools, and common office productivity applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Industrial Technology, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other Arts/Sciences).
• 5 + years of relevant experience (preferred).

Compensation

The wage range for this role is $91,600 – $137,400. Final offer may vary based on experience, geographic location, and other factors.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 100 % paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, plus parental and family leave.
• Additional paid time off.
• Voluntary benefits and discount programs, including pet insurance.