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Jobs · Quality Assurance · Oklahoma

Supplier Quality Lead Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions · Bristow, OK · 2 wk ago
Quality AssuranceFull-time

General Job Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and improving quality processes to ensure aerospace products meet internal standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines. This role works cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and quality assurance teams to resolve issues, prevent non-conformances, and drive continuous improvement across the production lifecycle. As lead, this role will also encompass responsibilities of an internal quality engineer.

Essential Job Functions

  • Serve as interface between the organization and its suppliers, fostering strong, professional partnerships while maintaining firm quality expectations.
  • Work to improve and ensure current processes are “purpose built” for high-rate production of small gas turbines and components used in the products.
  • Streamline and automate nonconformance system.
  • With the software & systems team, integrate elements of NCPR, PAPs, part number and serial number tracking, flowed down quality requirements from contracts, and overall quality requirements into the systems.
  • Investigate supplier-related nonconformances, drive root cause analysis, and verify effective, corrective, and preventive actions.
  • Support new supplier onboarding, supplier development programs, and production readiness reviews.
  • Track supplier and internal performance metrics (OTD, quality escapes, defect rates) and report trends to leadership.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and efficiency.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical methods.
  • Lead PFMEA, PPAP, control plans, and risk management activities for new and existing products.
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to optimize design-for-quality practices.
  • Provide technical support to assembly facility to resolve quality issues in real time.
  • Review supplier quality plans, inspection criteria, and first article inspection (FAI) documentation.
  • Establish inspection standards, testing requirements, and acceptance criteria.
  • Lead supplier audits (remote and onsite), including qualification, performance monitoring, corrective actions, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and regulatory/customer requirements.
  • Develop and maintain QMS procedures and documentation; support internal and external audits; and analyze quality data to implement process controls that reduce defects and improve yield.
  • Other job duties as assigned.

Experience And Skills

  • Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, and FAA/EASA regulatory requirements.
  • Experience with FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC, and APQP methodologies.
  • Familiarity with root-cause analysis tools.
  • Experience with NPI, or supplier development programs.
  • Experience with non-destructive testing (NDT), special processes, or composites is a plus.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
  • Continuous improvement mindset and collaborative approach.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering, or related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing environments.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

  • Office and manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, mouse, phones, rotating wrist, using tools/equipment).

Travel Requirements

  • May require occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or test facilities.

Work Location

Based in Bristow, OK (located between Oklahoma City and Tulsa)

Job Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage.
  • Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance.
  • 401(k) Savings Plan.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO).
  • Holidays.
  • Education Reimbursement.

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

EEO, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class.

All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply.

Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation.

We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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