Supplier Development Engineer
About the Role
The Supplier Development Engineer serves as the critical link between the organization's engineering and quality teams and its supplier base, driving manufacturability, quality, and delivery performance across the supply chain. This role involves traveling to supplier facilities to assess and monitor capabilities, resolve production issues, and lead root-cause and corrective-action efforts. The engineer will also partner with internal design and manufacturing engineers to incorporate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles early in the product development process.
Responsibilities
- Travel to supplier facilities to conduct on-site assessments, process audits, and process reviews to evaluate manufacturing capability and readiness
- Partner with internal design and manufacturing engineering teams to review new part designs and drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
- Identify and investigate supplier quality issues using root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) methodologies in conjunction with Axiom supplier quality organization
- Monitor supplier performance metrics (quality, delivery, cost) and develop improvement plans for underperforming suppliers
- Collaborate with suppliers to implement process controls, lean manufacturing practices, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Work cross-functionally with procurement, quality, engineering, and program management teams to communicate supplier status, risks, and escalations
- Assist in developing supplier scorecards and performance reporting to track trends and drive accountability
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and change requests to ensure supplier alignment and prevent quality escapes
- Drive resolution of on-time delivery issues by working with suppliers on capacity planning, scheduling, and logistics coordination
- Identify and drive documentation of supplier corrective actions, audit findings, and process changes for traceability and compliance
- Provide technical guidance and training to suppliers on quality standards, manufacturing processes, and engineering requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- 4+ years of experience, with experience in aerospace strongly preferred
- Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines
Skills
- High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
- Tech-savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Executes priorities with precision and pace
Competencies
- Accountability
- Sense of Urgency
- Extreme Ownership
- Execution and Delivery
- Efficiency
- Effectiveness
Work Environment
Some on-site office presence to interface with Axiom internal teams. This position will predominantly be on-site at Axiom’s supply base, with travel requirements up to 90% of the time.
Requirements
- Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is required
- Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones
Physical Requirements
- Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)
- May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)
Company Overview
Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station – Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit.
Life at Axiom Space
Axiom Space values a mission-driven, inclusive, and collaborative environment. The company prioritizes safety, quality, continuous learning, and innovation, while fostering a culture that encourages problem-solving, customer service, and effective communication.