Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

DRS Space Systems in Cypress, CA develops advanced space mission payloads, leveraging cutting-edge electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for key domestic and international allied customers. This role is part of DRS’s Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business, offering a hybrid work environment at the Cypress, CA location. Relocation assistance is available.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality management activities for assigned commodities/suppliers, including qualification, surveillance, and performance monitoring.
• Conduct on-site supplier audits and assessments against AS9100, customer flow-downs, and applicable regulatory/contractual requirements.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA/8D) for supplier-related nonconformances, rejections, and escalations, including delays impacting OTD.
• Analyze supplier reject and transaction data (e.g., RI rejects, WIP transactions) to identify trends, top detractors, and systemic issues; present findings in clear, management-ready summaries.
• Own and disposition Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), tracking to closure and verifying effectiveness.
• Support new supplier qualification, including First Article Inspection (FAI/AS9102), PPAP-equivalent submissions, and process capability studies.
• Partner with Procurement and Engineering to evaluate supplier certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, NADCAP) against program requirements and assess risk/gaps.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, quality metrics, and dashboards (Power BI or similar) to support management review.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Mentor junior quality engineers and contribute to supplier quality process improvements and training.
• Travel to supplier sites as needed for audits, containment activities, and qualification events up to 50%.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and related aerospace quality standards.
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• Experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
• Proficiency with quality data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to management and suppliers.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by contract.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ certification (CQE, CSSBB, or CQA).
• Experience with NADCAP-accredited processes (welding, NDT, heat treat, etc.).
• Familiarity with J-STD-001 Space Addendum.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Power BI-based supplier scorecarding.
• Prior experience managing a supplier base in electronics, machined parts, or castings/forgings.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $101,098–$144,570 per year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Employer matching 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including any state-mandated paid sick leave).
• Parental leave benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support.
• Life and disability insurance coverage.
• Company contribution to a health savings account.
• Telemedicine services.
• Legal insurance.
• Annual performance-based bonuses and equity awards (for eligible employees).
• Overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable).
• Wellness programs focusing on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Flexible work schedules with a 9/80 program.
• Community service hours.

Schedule

• Full-time, exempt position.
• 9/80 work schedule (hybrid at the Cypress, CA location).
• 1st shift.