Supply Chain EngineerLocation: Tempe, Arizona
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Division: SAFE, Inc. (a division of The Protective Group, part of Point Blank Enterprises)
Position SummaryThe 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)
