Supplier Quality Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

$100K — $135K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 3 years of supplier quality or manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing.
  • Strong knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
  • Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection documentation.
  • Familiarity with aerospace special processes and quality requirements.
  • Proficient in root cause analysis and statistical process control (SPC).
  • Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead supplier approval and qualification process for manufacturing capabilities.
  • Analyze supplier quality data to identify trends and mitigate risks.
  • Collaborate with suppliers on corrective action plans and issue resolution.
  • Provide training on quality standards and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and enhance manufacturability.
  • Manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) from initiation to resolution.
  • Collect and report on supplier performance metrics such as quality and delivery.

Benefits

  • Choose from three comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, including a fully employer-paid option for employees and families.
  • Receive 120 hours of Paid Time Off plus 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Enjoy a $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy with options for additional coverage.
  • Access a Health Savings Account (HSA) for managing medical expenses.
  • Participate in a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
  • Experience a positive work culture with a casual dress code and complimentary snacks.
Full Job Description
Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Summary:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) plays a critical role in ensuring that external suppliers meet the company's stringent aerospace quality standards and delivery requirements. This position is responsible for leading supplier qualification and approval activities, monitoring ongoing performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. The SQE partners closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders-including Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain-to maintain compliance with aerospace standards and support the production of high-reliability components and assemblies.

Responsibilities and Duties:
  • Lead the supplier approval and qualification process, assessing manufacturing capabilities, special processes, and adherence to aerospace quality requirements.
  • Evaluate and analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, mitigate risk, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to develop and execute corrective action plans, ensuring timely resolution of quality issues and root cause elimination.
  • Provide guidance and training to suppliers on quality tools, AS9100 and AS9102 requirements, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues, support design changes, and improve manufacturability.
  • Create, issue, and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs); track completion and verify effectiveness.
  • Collect, maintain, and report supplier performance metrics, including quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
  • Support supplier audits, source inspections, and first article review activities as needed.
  • Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects and improving supplier capability and consistency.
  • Participate in special projects and quality system improvements as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Duties:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing engineering within the aerospace or precision manufacturing industry.
  • Strong understanding of AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
  • Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation and review.
  • Familiarity with special processes (e.g., heat treat, coatings, NDT, welding) and related aerospace quality requirements.
  • Proficiency in root cause analysis, corrective action development, and statistical process control (SPC).
  • Solid understanding of fabrication-based quality control methods and dimensional inspection techniques.
  • Skilled in data analysis, supplier performance tracking, and reporting.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal and external teams.
  • Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites for audits, evaluations, and development activities.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:
  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day off.
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**

Pay Range: $ 100,000-135,000 Salary Exempt

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