Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (QIP)

Summary of Responsibilities
The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (Sr. SQE) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, capability, and continual improvement of the company's supplier base. This position is responsible for leading Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) with key suppliers, driving root cause and corrective action activities, strengthening supplier processes, and ensuring compliance with the company and regulatory requirements. The Sr. SQE will partner closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to improve supplier performance and build long-term quality maturity.

Lead development, execution, and monitoring of Supplier Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) to address systemic performance gaps and drive sustained improvement.
Provide on-site and virtual supplier coaching focused on process capability, manufacturing controls, defect reduction, and corrective action effectiveness.
Analyze supplier performance data to identify trends, risks, and priority improvement opportunities.
Facilitate structured problem-solving activities using methods such as 8D, DMAIC, PFMEA, and root cause analysis.
Evaluate and approve supplier corrective actions, ensuring containment and long-term preventive actions are effective.
Partner with suppliers to strengthen quality management systems aligned with AS9100, NADCAP, and company contractual requirements.
Support new supplier onboarding, process audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations.
Collaborate with Engineering on technical reviews, drawing interpretation, special process controls, and specification compliance.
Drive reduction in cost of poor quality (COPQ) and improve key metrics including PPM, OTD, and escape reduction.
Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities related to supplier issues and ensure timely resolution.
Support continuous improvement initiatives internally and externally, promoting lean and data-driven quality methods.
Act as a technical mentor to junior Supplier Quality Engineers and contribute to process optimization within the Supplier Quality organization.

Knowledge (Education/License/Certification, Prior Experience)

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality roles within aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.
Strong expertise in supplier development, corrective action methodologies, and Quality Improvement Plans.
Deep understanding of AS9100, ISO9001, and aerospace industry quality requirements such as AS9102, AS9145, etc.
Experience with special processes, precision machining, electronics, or complex assembly suppliers strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities

Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
Strong analytical skills; ability to use data to drive decision making.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills when working with internal teams and suppliers.

Travel/Physical Requirements

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required (20 - 30% max).

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