Supply Chain Engineer - Mechanical

About the role

This role is full-time and based in Varda’s El Segundo headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Own supplier quality – create framework for Varda’s supplier quality programs
• Collaborate with engineering teams on new product introduction and R&D projects, providing Designed for Manufacturability (DFM) input and supplier selection throughout the development lifecycle
• Work closely with the supply chain team to evaluate potential suppliers, conduct supplier audits, and assess their capabilities, and quality control processes
• Define and implement robust quality requirements for suppliers, including specifications, inspection and acceptance criteria, in collaboration with engineering and operations teams
• Build relationships with suppliers to drive continuous improvement of quality control processes
• Investigate and resolve supplier quality issues through root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and qualification activities to ensure supplier quality considerations are addressed during the product development lifecycle
• Stay updated with industry trends, standards, and regulations related to supplier quality and manufacturing in the aerospace sector

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related degree (mechanical, aerospace, electrical, etc.)
• 3-6+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering, preferably in the aerospace, automotive, or high-performance engineering industries
• Demonstrated fluency with machined parts, sheet metal, mechanisms, and structural hardware supplier experience (structures and payload mechanisms)
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a keen attention to detail
• Knowledge of quality tools such as FMEA, DMAIC, 8D, etc.
• Understanding of engineering models and drawings
• Ability to travel 25-50% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert level knowledge in one or more commodities within the team's scope (*mechanical machining, propulsion systems, PCB/PCBA manufacturing, etc)
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and enthusiasm for Varda’s spirit of innovation and drive for improving reliability in cutting-edge technology
• Proven ability to evaluate supplier capabilities, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement of supplier quality control processes
• Proficiency in quality management systems such as AS9100 or ISO 9001, and familiarity with other relevant quality standards and regulations
• Familiarity with space system components and materials, including *mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, and their associated quality requirements
• Thorough understanding of GD&T (ANSI Y14.5-2009 or 2018)