Supplier Development Engineer - Composites
About the role
In this role you will be responsible for improving performance and capability across the composite supply base. This role leads supplier assessments, drives resolution of critical issues, and ensures suppliers can meet quality, delivery, and scalability requirements for composite structures and components.
How you will contribute to revolutionizing electric aviation
- Lead development and performance improvement of key composite suppliers supporting production.
- Assess supplier capability in composite manufacturing processes (layup, curing, bonding, machining, finishing) and capacity to meet production demand.
- Drive resolution of high-impact quality and delivery issues, including execution of recovery plans.
- Lead root cause analysis for composite defects (e.g., porosity, delamination, cure variation) and ensure effective corrective actions.
- Conduct supplier audits and process reviews, including special processes and quality system compliance.
- Provide hands-on technical guidance to improve yield, throughput, and process control.
- Support supplier readiness for new product introduction (NPI), including qualification, FAI, and ramp to rate.
- Partner with engineering, quality, and supply chain to manage risk, qualify new sources, and support make/buy decisions.
- Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost) and implement focused improvement actions.
- Serve as escalation point for critical supplier issues impacting production or program milestones.
- Prepare concise updates on supplier risk, performance, and recovery status for leadership.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 5+ years of progressive experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, operations, or supply chain in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading supplier recovery, supplier improvement, and cross-functional resolution of complex supply chain issues.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, process validation, and supplier risk management.
- Ability to interpret complex technical requirements, specifications, and production constraints.
- Experience using data and KPIs to drive supplier accountability and performance improvement.
- Strong project leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement and root cause methodologies.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
- Due to regulations, contractual requirements, and export control laws, applicants must be a U.S. person.
- +/- 50% Travel
Physical demands and work environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This role may require occasional travel to supplier sites.
Compensation
$95,000—$130,000 USD
Benefits
- Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units for all full-time team members
- Onsite healthcare in Vermont
- Comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision
- Short- and long-term disability
- Paid parental leave
- Daily lunch provided
- Flight lessons