Leonardo DRS

Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Leonardo DRS$101K — $144K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
  • 8+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing.
  • Strong knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and aerospace quality standards.
  • Experience in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
  • Proficient in conducting supplier audits and assessments.
  • Familiarity with quality data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI).
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

  • Lead supplier quality management activities including qualification and performance monitoring.
  • Conduct on-site supplier audits and assessments based on AS9100 and regulatory requirements.
  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective action for supplier-related nonconformances.
  • Analyze supplier data to identify trends and present findings to management.
  • Own and track closure of Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
  • Support new supplier qualification, including First Article Inspection and capability studies.
  • Partner with Procurement and Engineering to assess supplier certifications and risks.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
  • Employer-matching 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development support.
  • Flexible work schedules with a 9/80 program.
  • Wellness programs focused on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Full Job Description
Job ID: 115219

Business Unit: EOIS
Location: Cypress CA
Career Functional Area: Quality Engineering
Telework Type: Hybrid at the Cypress CA location
Relocation Available: Yes
Type:Exempt Full Time Employee
Schedule: 9/80
Shift: 1st

Job Responsibilities

- Lead supplier quality management activities for assigned commodities/suppliers, including qualification, surveillance, and performance monitoring.

- Conduct on-site supplier audits and assessments against AS9100, customer flow-downs, and applicable regulatory/contractual requirements.

- Drive root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA/8D) for supplier-related nonconformances, rejections, and escalations, including delays impacting OTD.

- Analyze supplier reject and transaction data (e.g., RI rejects, WIP transactions) to identify trends, top detractors, and systemic issues; present findings in clear, management-ready summaries.

- Own and disposition Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), tracking to closure and verifying effectiveness.

- Support new supplier qualification, including First Article Inspection (FAI/AS9102), PPAP-equivalent submissions, and process capability studies.

- Partner with Procurement and Engineering to evaluate supplier certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, NADCAP) against program requirements and assess risk/gaps.

- Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, quality metrics, and dashboards (Power BI or similar) to support management review.

- Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of nonconforming material.

- Mentor junior quality engineers and contribute to supplier quality process improvements and training.

- Travel to supplier sites as needed for audits, containment activities, and qualification events up to 50%.

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).

- 8+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.

- Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and related aerospace quality standards.

- Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).

- Experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.

- Proficiency with quality data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent).

- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to management and suppliers.

- U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by contract.

Preferred Qualifications

- ASQ certification (CQE, CSSBB, or CQA).

- Experience with NADCAP-accredited processes (welding, NDT, heat treat, etc.).

- Familiarity with J-STD-001 Space Addendum

- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Power BI-based supplier scorecarding.

- Prior experience managing a supplier base in electronics, machined parts, or castings/forgings.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $101,098/year- $144,570/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

About Leonardo DRS

Leonardo DRS is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. Focused on defense technology, we develop, manufacture and support a broad range of systems for mission critical and military sustainment requirements, as well as homeland security. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A. which employs more than 45,000 people worldwide. We offer a competitive compensation package and a business culture that rewards performance. For additional information on Leonardo DRS, please visit our website at www.leonardodrs.com.
Learn more about Leonardo DRS
Size
11,000 employees
Market Cap
$3.1 billion
Industry
Founded
1968
5 Year Trend
+55.7%
NASDAQ

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