Supplier Development Engineer

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier development lifecycle — qualification, performance management, and continuous improvement — across Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, Avionics, PCBA and Harnessing
• Execute supplier qualification processes including technical audits, capability assessments, risk assessments, and first article inspections (FAI)
• Develop and implement supplier quality programs including scorecards (tracking FPY, RTV, OTD), quality clauses, and flow-down requirements for purchase orders
• Conduct process, system, and product audits at supplier sites to verify AS9100/ITAR compliance and readiness for flight hardware production
• Lead lean implementation initiatives at supplier sites including value stream mapping, waste reduction, 5S, and kaizen events to improve quality and delivery performance
• Drive resolution of supplier quality escapes and technical non-conformances through root cause and corrective action (RCCA)
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including single-source dependencies, long lead items, and regulatory exposure; develop dual-source strategies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management to ensure supplier readiness aligns with program milestones
• Contribute to development and continuous improvement of supplier development processes, tools, and documentation
• Travel to supplier sites as needed (estimated 30–50%)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or a related technical discipline
• 4–7 years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain engineering in Aerospace/Defense/Medical/Automotive
• Hands-on experience implementing lean methodologies at supplier or manufacturing sites with measurable results
• Experience conducting supplier audits, capability/risk assessments, qualification programs, and corrective action processes (8D, CAPA, SCAR)
• Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR/EAR, and aerospace quality frameworks
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel) and data-driven supplier performance tools
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites (30–50%)

Preferred

• Space-technology supply chain or flight hardware development experience
• Leverage of lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Lean Practitioner) or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Technical fluency in Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, Avionics, or PCBA/Electronics Manufacturing
• Experience in high-growth startup or New Space environment
• Experience in supply chain risk management, business continuity planning, or dual-sourcing strategies
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), capability studies (Cpk), and measurement system analysis (MSA)