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LOCATION: KENT, WASHINGTON (ONSITE)JOB SUMMARYYou will support advanced aerospace manufacturing operations and lead supplier quality activities including inspection planning, engineering change management, BOM configuration control, and supplier process validation to ensure compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements. You will work closely with Purchasing/Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to qualify suppliers, mitigate risk, and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include leading technical review boards, approving specifications and quality plans, evaluating corrective actions, and conducting supplier audits. This role is ideal for a technically strong quality professional who thrives in cross-functional environments and is motivated to improve supplier performance and product integrity at scale.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES- Communicate supplier quality standards and expectations to internal teams and suppliers; foster effective customer and supplier relationships.
- Review and disposition supplier non-conformances; lead containment, root-cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions; support MRB activities related to purchased materials.
- Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and ongoing surveillance; evaluate audit results, ensure corrective action closure, and contribute to supplier approval and re-qualification decisions.
- Lead supplier-focused strategic quality planning and cross-functional initiatives related to risk mitigation, compliance, and supply chain capability improvement.
- Develop, refine, and implement supplier quality strategies, supplier development plans, and global alignment programs.
- Collaborate closely with Purchasing and Buying teams to evaluate supplier capability, support sourcing decisions, establish quality flow-down requirements, and ensure integration of supplier quality considerations into procurement activity.
- Utilize predictive analytics, supplier metrics, and digital quality systems to monitor and enhance supplier performance.
- Mentor lower-level QEs and provide leadership in supplier development projects and supply chain quality improvement efforts.
- Support enterprise-level continuous improvement, innovation initiatives, and alignment to regulatory and industry standards.
QUALIFICATIONSEducation/Experience- Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, or related field required; master's preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in quality engineering with leadership responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of AS9100, Nadcap, compliance requirements, and supplier quality methodologies.
- Experience with supplier development, PPAP/APQP-based processes, and risk-based supplier management.
- Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills; ability to drive supplier accountability and cross-functional alignment.
- Proficiency with digital quality tools, data analytics, predictive methods, and supplier performance metrics.
- Lean/Six Sigma certification strongly preferred; ASQ certifications (CQE preferred) and Lead Auditor training desirable.
- Ability to interpret drawings/specifications (including MBD) and familiarity with precision measurement/inspection methods.
- Experience with composite materials and lean manufacturing is a plus; strong SPC/statistical problem-solving skills preferred.
- Purchasing or buyer experience preferred.
