Principal Aerospace Supplier Quality Engineer

TRIDENT SYSTEMS • Chantilly, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs. We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space. The Principal Aerospace Supplier Quality Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring that all suppliers meet our high standards for quality and compliance. This position involves working closely with suppliers, as well as internal engineering and quality teams, to establish strong quality benchmarks, enhance supplier performance, and foster continuous improvement throughout the supply chain. Additionally, the role includes responsibilities such as auditing, inspecting, and qualifying suppliers, while also supporting initiatives for new product introduction and development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or related field (or equivalent experience / combined education)
• 12+ years of related experience OR 10+ years with a graduate degree (OR 16+ years in lieu of a degree)
• Experience in supplier quality engineering, quality assurance, or a related field, preferably in a regulated industry (e.g., aerospace, automotive, medical devices)

Nice To Haves

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma certifications
• Quality Assurance experience in a regulated field (e.g., aerospace, automotive, medical devices)
• Working knowledge of quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100), statistical process control, root cause analysis, and risk management methodologies

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and uphold supplier quality standards to ensure alignment with company policies, regulatory mandates, and industry norms.
• Conduct thorough supplier audits, which include initial qualification assessments and regular follow-up inspections, to evaluate and enhance supplier quality systems.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions in collaboration with suppliers to effectively address quality issues and prevent future occurrences.
• Work hand in hand with suppliers on quality improvement initiatives, guiding them to create processes that meet our company’s standards.
• Review and approve supplier-issued Certificates of Conformance (CoC) to confirm compliance with specified requirements, particularly for specialized items like development kits that are not used in final products.
• Lead cross-functional teams in assessing supplier risks, monitoring quality, and qualifying both new and existing suppliers.
• Provide technical support to suppliers for quality-related challenges, ensuring consistent processes and quality outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams—such as engineering, procurement, and quality assurance—to align our supplier quality management strategies with the broader goals of the company.
• Establish and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess supplier performance and take action to implement necessary improvement strategies as needed.
• Potentially travel up to 5% - 10% to supplier locations for audits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic life with AD&D
• Short term disability
• Long term disability
• Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
• Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
• Paid time off
• Holidays
• 401(k) (including company match)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
• Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal