Supplier Quality Engineer

About the role

BWXT Enrichment Operations is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to support the Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility (CMDF). This position is responsible for developing and maintaining a qualified supplier network capable of supporting prototype development, manufacturing readiness, and future production operations.

Responsibilities

• Leads supplier qualification and approval activities.
• Evaluates supplier quality systems, technical capabilities, manufacturing processes, and capacity.
• Conducts supplier risk assessments and determine appropriate supplier classifications.
• Serves as the primary quality interface between BWXT EO and external suppliers, ensuring purchased materials, components, and services meet technical, quality, schedule, and readiness requirements.
• Supports maintenance of the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Reviews supplier quality documentation and certifications.
• Plans and conducts supplier quality audits and assessments.
• Evaluates supplier compliance with quality requirements and contractual obligations.
• Documents audit findings and verify corrective action implementation.
• Supports risk-based supplier surveillance activities.
• Assesses supplier readiness for prototype and production support.
• Pairs with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, and process capability.
• Facilitates supplier corrective actions and root cause investigations.
• Assists suppliers in implementing process controls and quality improvements.
• Supports development of strategic supplier relationships.
• Identifies and mitigates supplier performance risks.
• Develops source inspection strategies for critical suppliers and components.
• Coordinates source inspections and supplier witness points.
• Verifies compliance with technical and quality requirements prior to shipment.
• Supports First Article Inspection (FAI) activities performed at supplier locations.
• Assesses supplier readiness for new product introductions and manufacturing scale-up.
• Evaluates supplier capacity, staffing, equipment, and process maturity.
• Supports Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Technology Transfer Reviews (TTR).
• Identifies supply chain risks affecting program milestones and production readiness.
• Develops and maintains supplier scorecards.
• Maintains supplier quality, delivery, responsiveness, and performance trends.
• Analyzes supplier performance data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Escalates significant supplier risks and performance concerns.
• Collaborates with Engineering on supplier technical evaluations.
• Supports Manufacturing with supplier-related quality issues.
• Pairs with Supply Chain on sourcing decisions and supplier selection.
• Supports Configuration Management and Engineering Change activities impacting suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Quality Engineering, or Supply Chain Quality.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a D.O.E. security clearance.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and supplier evaluations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in: Supplier Qualification, Supplier Auditing, Corrective Action Management, Root Cause Analysis, Risk Assessments, Supplier Development, Supplier Scorecards, First Article Inspection (FAI), Process Validation, Quality Systems.
• Strong communication, technical credibility, and the ability to influence without authority.
• Systems thinking, sound judgment, collaborative problem solving, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical device, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP).
• Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions.
• Experience with precision machining, fabrication, or complex manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with ISO,9001, NQA-1, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with the following is highly desirable: ISO 9001, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Analysis (Cp/Cpk), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), ERP/MRP Systems, Power BI or Similar Analytics Tools.