Supplier Quality Engineer - Aerospace & Defense

Remote role with supplier/client travel in aerospace and defense manufacturing. Travel up to 75%.

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a growing aerospace and defense manufacturer that is looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer to support supplier quality, audits, FAI reviews, corrective actions, and supplier performance across the West Coast.

This is a strong fit for someone with hands-on experience in aerospace supplier quality, AS9100, AS9102, FAI, machining, coatings, painting, GD&T, and root cause corrective action. The ideal candidate is comfortable working directly with suppliers, reviewing technical requirements, and driving quality improvements in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Qualify and manage suppliers in line with aerospace and defense quality standards.
• Conduct supplier audits, capability assessments, and ongoing supplier surveillance.
• Review and approve First Article Inspections under AS9102.
• Lead root cause and corrective action efforts using 8D, 5-Whys, and Fishbone.
• Provide technical guidance on machining, surface finishing, painting, and precision manufacturing processes.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T requirements.
• Partner with Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to resolve supplier quality issues.
• Participate in MRB reviews involving supplier-related defects.
• Maintain quality records, inspection criteria, and documentation in line with AS9100 requirements.
• Travel to supplier and client sites across the West Coast as needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years of quality or supplier quality engineering experience in aerospace and defense.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, AS9102, FAI, aerospace compliance, and supplier auditing.
• Hands-on understanding of machining, coatings, painting, and high-precision manufacturing.
• Strong ability to read engineering drawings, technical specifications, and GD&T.
• Experience with supplier quality planning, process validation, and corrective actions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to travel up to 75%.

Nice to Have

• Experience with NADCAP special processes such as chemical processing, heat treat, or NDT.
• CQE, ASQ, or Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience with ERP, MES, or quality tools such as SAP S/4HANA, ShopVue, Minitab, or SPC software.

Benefits

• $120,000-$130,000 salary range
• Remote role based on the West Coast
• High-impact supplier quality role in aerospace and defense manufacturing
• Heavy exposure to AS9100, AS9102, FAI, MRB, GD&T, supplier audits, and corrective actions
• Strong fit for someone who likes being hands-on with suppliers instead of sitting behind a desk all day
• Opportunity to influence supplier performance and support mission-critical manufacturing programs