Manager, Supplier Quality Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and launch Northwood’s first supplier quality management system, from process design to documentation and continuous improvement
• Shape the supply base: Identify, qualify, and develop world-class suppliers for RF, PCBA, mechanical, and electromechanical components
• Lead audits, performance reviews, and corrective actions that elevate quality and delivery across our network
• Partner closely with design, manufacturing, and operations on DFM, NPI, and pilot builds - ensuring every part is production-ready
• Define supplier KPIs (quality, cost, responsiveness) and implement real-time visibility tools that drive accountability and progress
• Act as the technical and quality liaison between internal engineering and external suppliers - turning insights into scalable, repeatable success
• Drive supplier readiness for production ramp-ups and capacity expansions as Northwood grows around the world
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (NCR/CAPA) to eliminate defects and strengthen design for manufacturability
• Partner with suppliers on process improvements that cut costs, reduce cycle times, and maximize yields
• Establish quality requirements and flow downs that ensure every product built by our partners reflects Northwood’s commitment to excellence

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years as a people leader in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, or Manufacturing Quality roles
• Experience with quality standards and tools (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP)
• A track record of building or scaling quality systems in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity environments
• Proven success qualifying and managing suppliers and driving measurable performance improvement
• Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally to engage with our global supply network

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an AS9100 environment
• Background in aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industries
• Hands-on experience with RF, PCBA, custom enclosures, or electromechanical assemblies
• Familiarity with ERP, PLM, or digital quality management systems
• Experience supporting early-stage product development through production ramp
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma or similar certifications
• Strong data fluency - proficiency with SQL or analytics tools for supplier and quality insights

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment.

Pay

Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, 10 or more paid holidays per year, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.