Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field
3+ years of engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing
Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes and document management systems
Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems for demand planning and inventory control
Expertise in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and statistical process control (SPC)
Familiarity with aerospace compliance requirements (CUI, DFARS, ITAR, EAR)
Willingness to travel 25-30% to supplier sites
U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person, eligible for U.S. Government security clearance
Responsibilities
Lead technical sourcing and onboarding of critical aerospace suppliers
Collaborate with engineering teams to apply Design for Manufacturability (DfM) and Design for Supply Chain (DfSC) principles
Evaluate supplier performance using KPIs and implement improvement plans
Negotiate costs and lead times to optimize material procurement
Manage supplier deviation requests and enforce quality compliance standards
Conduct audits and oversee manufacturing processes at supplier sites
Benefits
Full-time, exempt position
Opportunity for domestic and international travel
Engagement with cutting-edge aerospace technology
Collaboration with cross-functional teams
Potential for career advancement within a growing division
Full Job Description
Supply Chain Engineer
Location: Tempe, Arizona Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Division: SAFE, Inc. (a division of The Protective Group, part of Point Blank Enterprises)
Position Summary
The Supply Chain Engineer bridges design engineering, procurement, and external suppliers. This role ensures technical execution, quality compliance, and on-time delivery of critical aerospace hardware, raw materials, and subassemblies. You will lead supplier technical assessments, drive continuous improvement, negotiate cost and lead time, and mitigate manufacturing risks to support active production and scaling programs.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Sourcing and Qualification: Lead technical sourcing, qualification, and onboarding of critical suppliers of precision aerospace components and structures.
DfM / DfSC Integration: Partner with Design and Manufacturing Engineering to apply Design for Manufacturability (DfM) and Design for Supply Chain (DfSC) principles early in the product development lifecycle.
Supplier Performance Management: Evaluate supplier capacity, technical capability, and lead times using structured KPIs. Identify bottlenecks and implement "return-to-green" action plans.
Commercial Negotiation: Negotiate cost and lead time by leveraging buying volume, long-term agreements, and other strategies to deliver the best overall value in material procurement.
Quality and Nonconformance Management: Manage supplier deviation requests, nonconformance routing, and root-cause investigations. Support enforcement of AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements.
Supplier Site Engagement: Travel domestically and internationally to conduct capability audits, oversee high-risk manufacturing processes, and resolve critical production issues.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical discipline
3+ years of direct engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing
Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, precision fabrication, composites, special processes) and document management systems
Hands-on experience using and optimizing ERP/MRP systems for demand planning and inventory control
Demonstrated expertise in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), variable data analysis, and statistical process control (SPC)
Familiarity with aerospace compliance requirements, including Classified information handling, CUI, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR
Willingness to travel up to 25-30% to supplier sites and manufacturing facilities
U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person, with the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Engineering, Logistics, or Business Administration
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
Active U.S. Government Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one (highly preferred for defense programs)
