Supplier Quality Engineer - Spacecraft Hardware

Quick Facts

• Role: Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) – Spacecraft Hardware

• Work: Remote

• Focus: End-to-end supplier quality, schedule, and compliance

Description

Own the overall relationship with assigned suppliers and ensure they can deliver the right spacecraft hardware at the required quality and on schedule. Lead end-to-end supplier performance from initial qualification through delivery, including supplier assessments/audits, nonconformance handling, first-article/qualification review, and corrective actions using structured methodologies. Drive continuous improvement using quality metrics and KPI ownership.

Responsibilities

• Establish and track supplier schedule, quality, and delivery performance (5 KPIs)

• Monitor commitments and production readiness; manage supplier risks

• Lead supplier performance reviews and executive escalations

• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Engineering to ensure contractual, engineering, and quality requirements are met

• Perform supplier assessments and audits of manufacturing and quality processes

• Lead corrective actions and root-cause investigations; drive recovery plans when suppliers fall behind

• Address nonconformances, escapes, and recurring quality issues

• Review first-article/qualification activities and inspection requirements

• Monitor quality metrics and drive continuous improvement

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline

• 10+ years progressive experience in manufacturing quality/quality engineering/supplier quality in aerospace/space/defense (or another highly regulated manufacturing environment)

• Strong working knowledge of AS9100 quality management requirements and aerospace manufacturing standards

• Demonstrated RCCA/CAPA leadership using structured methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, or equivalent)

• Extensive nonconformance management experience including MRB and disposition of manufacturing issues

• Experience performing, reviewing, or approving First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102

• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, BOMs, manufacturing work instructions, and inspection requirements

• Experience applying quality tools such as PFMEA/FMEA, SPC, control plans, process capability analysis, risk assessment, and inspection planning

• Ability to independently resolve complex manufacturing and quality issues across design, production, integration, and test lifecycle

• Cross-functional experience with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Supplier Quality

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• 50% travel outside the U.S.; home office available; reliable transportation

Benefits

• Paid time off

• Health and welfare insurance

• 401(k) for eligible employees