Supplier Quality Engineer

Position Summary

The Supplier Performance Engineer is responsible for monitoring, evaluating, and improving supplier performance to ensure reliable delivery of high-quality components that meet contractual, regulatory, and technical requirements. This role works cross-functionally with sourcing, quality, engineering, and manufacturing teams to identify supplier risks, resolve performance issues, and drive continuous improvement across the supply base. The position serves as a key interface between the organization and its suppliers, leading efforts to improve on-time delivery, reduce defects, and strengthen supplier capabilities in support of critical defense programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze supplier performance trends using quality and delivery data
• Supplier issue resolution
• Supplier development and continuous improvement
• Audits and assessments
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Root cause analysis and resolution
• Support internal teams with interpretation of contractual supplier obligations
• Identify risks that could affect program schedule or build sequence
• Serve as a technical liaison between suppliers and internal engineering teams
• Clarify technical drawings, specifications, and requirements
• Work with sourcing teams to identify alternate suppliers when necessary
• Support evaluation and qualification of new suppliers
• Ensure new suppliers meet technical and compliance requirements before production (FAIR)
• Ensure suppliers understand and comply with contract flow down requirements
• Lead regular supplier performance review meetings
• Track progress against corrective action commitments
• Escalate persistent performance issues to leadership when necessary

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Manufacturing processes such as machining, casting (sand & investment), forging, welding, NDT
• Supplier performance metrics and monitoring methods
• Nonconformance management and corrective action processes
• Quality management systems (ISO / AS standards)
• Engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
• Inspection methods and measurement techniques
• Root cause analysis and corrective action management
• Data analysis and supplier performance trend evaluation
• Negotiation and conflict resolution with suppliers
• Managing multiple supplier issues simultaneously
• Coordinating cross-functional teams
• Ability to diagnose complex supplier process failures
• Ability to influence behavior without direct authority
• Ability to balance technical requirements, quality standards, and delivery needs
• Ability to make sound decisions with incomplete information

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain performance roles, preferably within defense, aerospace, or heavy industrial manufacturing environments
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred in engineering, manufacturing, quality, or supply chain discipline

Other

• U.S. Citizen

Benefits

• Employee Ownership Program – all employees are owners of the company with a stake in its success
• Generous paid time off policy
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance available first day
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• 401k with company match
• Employee Referral Bonus Program