Supplier Quality Manager

About the role

We are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead CesiumAstro’s supplier quality engineering function, managing a team of Supplier Quality Engineers responsible for supplier qualification, supplier development, supplier performance evaluation, and nonconformance resolution across the company’s aerospace and defense supply base.

• Manage and develop a team of Supplier Quality Engineers, including hiring, workload assignment, performance management, and career development.
• Manage department budget, staffing plans, and resource allocation for the supplier quality function.
• Direct the team's implementation and maintenance of supplier quality processes and documentation in accordance with AS9100 and applicable standards.
• Ensure the team works cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to drive supplier flow-down and compliance to QMS, customer, industry, and regulatory/statutory requirements.
• Oversee the approved supplier base, including supplier qualification, periodic performance review, supplier relationship management, risk assessment, and removal when necessary.
• Ensure the team provides suppliers the technical guidance, support, and training needed to align with CesiumAstro requirements for execution.
• Partner with Design Engineering to ensure suppliers' design-for-manufacturability (DFM) considerations are incorporated into supplier processes.
• Oversee supplier site audits and source inspection activities as needed.
• Oversee nonconformance investigations and root cause corrective action activities when supplier issues occur.
• Monitor and drive resolution of escalated Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
• Establish and analyze supplier performance metrics, including defect rate, nonconformances, on-time delivery, cost of rework/scrap, and SCAR resolution.
• Use supplier performance data to drive strategic partnerships and develop supplier capability with key suppliers.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the supplier quality function.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 7 years of related experience with 1–3 years of leadership/management experience, including direct supervision of quality or supplier quality engineering staff.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001 quality management systems and aerospace supplier quality requirements.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Experience with supplier qualification, PPAP, and First Article Inspection (AS9102) processes.
• Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and quality inspection methods.
• Understanding of ITAR/EAR and DFARS requirements applicable to aerospace and defense suppliers.
• Demonstrated people leadership skills, including coaching, performance management, and team development.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and supplier relationship management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems, such as Acumatica, SAP, or comparable platforms.
• Familiarity with Quality Management System (QMS) software.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools, such as Minitab.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
• Ability to travel to supplier and manufacturing sites, domestically and occasionally internationally, up to approximately 50% of the time.

Preferred Experience

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.

Benefits

Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.