Lead Supplier Quality Engineer

Saab•Bristol, RI

About The Position

Saab, Inc. is seeking a driven and collaborative Lead Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join our team in Bristol, RI. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Lead the identification and resolution of complex supplier quality issues by applying professional concepts and aligning solutions with company objectives. Provide oversight and direction for supplier quality engineering activities, including mentorship of junior SQEs and leadership of team performance and continuous improvement initiatives. Perform manpower planning, resource scheduling, workload balancing, and conduct performance management activities, including goal setting, professional development planning, and annual reviews. Communicate product specifications and quality requirements to suppliers and assess supplier capability to meet engineering and quality standards. Evaluate supplier performance across internal functions and provide feedback to support continuous improvement. Own and manage the Supplier Scorecard process, including developing metrics, analyzing trends, reporting results, and implementing corrective actions. Analyze supplier quality data, assign and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests, and drive improvement initiatives. Lead identification and resolution of nonconforming material through the MRB process and drive rapid resolution of supplier-related quality issues, including nonconformances and customer complaints. Support programs in all supplier quality activities, including First Article Inspection approval, and coordinate First Article Inspection activities in production to ensure efficient part qualification. Monitor supplier performance from acquisition through the manufacturing cycle and proactively communicate and resolve supplier-related issues as they arise. Develop and prioritize supplier audit schedules and monitor development practices for compliance with internal Standard Operating Procedures, contract requirements, ISO, CMMI, and other applicable standards. Collaborate with, train, and mentor supplier representatives in quality systems, process controls, problem solving methodologies, and statistical tools. Evaluate and analyze supplier documentation and records to ensure proper organization, documentation, and interpretation of supplier quality data. Travel approximately 10–20% annually. Compensation Range: $127,300 - $165,500 The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in an engineering discipline or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience, or MA/MS degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
Ability to author program quality documents, including supplier quality plans.
Experience participating in program planning and design and development activities.
Ability to perform program quality evaluation activities, including internal and external audits.
Ability to provide technical guidance to project teams and engineers regarding supplier development processes.
Strong understanding of quality systems, processes, and procedures with the ability to recommend improvements.
Experience monitoring multiple suppliers across various programs.
Ability to estimate level of effort and associated costs for Basis of Estimate and project scheduling.
Ability to review contracts and interpret requirements related to supplier quality.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate risk and make decisions based on business impact.
Experience supporting proposal writing and cost estimation activities.
Ability to effectively present information to internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to interact professionally with suppliers, customers, and auditors.
Leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive project and program success.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Auditor, or equivalent.
Experience in a regulated industry such as defense, aerospace, or maritime manufacturing.
Ability to influence organizational change.
Experience leading cross-functional process improvement initiatives.
Ability to direct efforts on complex issues requiring in-depth evaluation of multiple technical and business factors.
Experience driving adoption of new design and development approaches to improve quality, reliability, and speed of implementation.
Demonstrated sound judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria.
Experience collaborating with internal or external customers to define and implement effective solutions.

Responsibilities

Lead the identification and resolution of complex supplier quality issues by applying professional concepts and aligning solutions with company objectives.
Provide oversight and direction for supplier quality engineering activities, including mentorship of junior SQEs and leadership of team performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform manpower planning, resource scheduling, workload balancing, and conduct performance management activities, including goal setting, professional development planning, and annual reviews.
Communicate product specifications and quality requirements to suppliers and assess supplier capability to meet engineering and quality standards.
Evaluate supplier performance across internal functions and provide feedback to support continuous improvement.
Own and manage the Supplier Scorecard process, including developing metrics, analyzing trends, reporting results, and implementing corrective actions.
Analyze supplier quality data, assign and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests, and drive improvement initiatives.
Lead identification and resolution of nonconforming material through the MRB process and drive rapid resolution of supplier-related quality issues, including nonconformances and customer complaints.
Support programs in all supplier quality activities, including First Article Inspection approval, and coordinate First Article Inspection activities in production to ensure efficient part qualification.
Monitor supplier performance from acquisition through the manufacturing cycle and proactively communicate and resolve supplier-related issues as they arise.
Develop and prioritize supplier audit schedules and monitor development practices for compliance with internal Standard Operating Procedures, contract requirements, ISO, CMMI, and other applicable standards.
Collaborate with, train, and mentor supplier representatives in quality systems, process controls, problem solving methodologies, and statistical tools.
Evaluate and analyze supplier documentation and records to ensure proper organization, documentation, and interpretation of supplier quality data.