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Jobs · Quality Assurance · California

Manager, Supplier Quality Engineering

AV · Simi Valley, CA · 2 wk ago
On-siteQuality Assurance$118k–$179k/yrFull-time

This role is deployed to a specific Business Unit / area of focus and is responsible for managing the performance of that BU's supplier base. The Manager, Supplier Quality Engineering reports to the BU Director of Quality, with functional oversight from the Director of Supplier Quality Management.

Responsibilities

  • Manage the day-to-day performance and development of a team of Supplier Quality Engineers supporting the assigned BU/area of focus
  • Own supplier quality performance for the BU: scorecards, escalations, containment, and corrective action closure
  • Hold suppliers and SQEs accountable to defined performance and quality expectations; escalate and enforce corrective measures (including supplier disqualification or personnel action) when expectations are not met
  • Partner with BU site leadership on initiatives to improve supplier performance, including quality escapes, delivery risk, process capability, and other initiatives as needed
  • Establish or mature foundational supplier quality systems and processes (e.g., scorecards, audit cadence, SCAR/corrective action tracking) in BUs or sites that do not yet have them in place
  • Collaborate with Global Supply Chain on cross-BU initiatives (e.g., supplier consolidation, dual-sourcing, cost reduction, capacity planning) and provide SQE representation into those initiatives
  • Review and approve supplier corrective action responses (8D, root cause/SCAR) for adequacy and sustainability
  • Oversee supplier audits and site inspections against AS9100D requirements; ensure findings are tracked to closure
  • Ensure supplier first article inspection (AS9102) and APQP-equivalent (AS9145) requirements are met for new part introductions, including flow down of applicable design, customer, and regulatory requirements to suppliers
  • Escalate systemic or repeat supplier issues to BU Director of Quality and Director of Supplier Quality Management
  • Coach and develop SQEs on technical proficiency, root cause methodology, and professional communication
  • Provide input on supplier selection, requalification, and disqualification decisions
  • Perform other duties and tasks as needed

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or related roles
  • Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience
  • Working knowledge of AS9100D, AS9102, and AS9145
  • Strong root cause and corrective action skills (8D, 5-Why, fishbone)
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across Engineering, Global Supply Chain, and site leadership
  • Ability to travel up to 30%, both domestic and international

Preferred Qualifications

  • ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, CSQP, or CQM)
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or higher
  • Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) in an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment
  • Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards
  • Working knowledge of SPC and other statistical quality tools (e.g., process capability studies, MSA)

Physical Demands

  • Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
  • Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be eligible for an export license. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $117,500 - $179,250.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401K with company matching
  • 9/80 work schedule
  • Paid holiday shutdown

About the Company

AeroVironment (AV) specializes in breakthrough autonomous systems for defense across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. Founded by innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has a heritage of pioneering unmanned systems, with seven platforms in the Smithsonian. The company focuses on redefining what’s possible in defense technology, including AI-powered drones, loitering munitions, and integrated autonomy solutions.

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