Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Leonardo DRS, Inc.•Cypress, CA

19d•$101,098 - $144,570•Hybrid

About The Position

DRS Space Systems in Cypress, California, develops electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for domestic and international customers. As part of the Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) business, this role leads supplier quality management for assigned commodities and suppliers, supporting qualification, surveillance, performance monitoring, audits, corrective action, and continuous improvement. The position is hybrid at the Cypress, CA location, follows a 9/80 first-shift schedule, and may require supplier-site travel of up to 50%. Relocation is available. The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer works with suppliers and internal Procurement, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure compliance with aerospace standards, customer requirements, and applicable contractual and regulatory obligations. The role analyzes supplier quality data, manages corrective actions, supports supplier qualification and material review, and presents quality performance and risks to management. U.S. citizenship is required, along with an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable time after employment begins. The posted annual salary range is $101,098–$144,570. Employees may also be eligible for performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and applicable overtime. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer 401(k) matching; paid time off and holidays; parental leave; tuition reimbursement; professional development; life and disability insurance; a health savings account contribution; telemedicine; legal insurance; wellness programs; flexible 9/80 schedules; and community service hours. Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
At least 8 years of supplier quality engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and related aerospace quality standards.
Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis methodologies, including 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone/Ishikawa.
Experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
Proficiency with quality data analysis and reporting tools such as Excel, Power BI, or equivalent.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings to management and suppliers.
U.S. citizenship required.
Active DOD security clearance, or ability to obtain one within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Nice To Haves

ASQ certification such as CQE, CSSBB, or CQA.
Experience with NADCAP-accredited processes such as welding, NDT, or heat treat.
Familiarity with J-STD-001 Space Addendum.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Power BI-based supplier scorecarding.
Prior experience managing suppliers of electronics, machined parts, or castings/forgings.

Responsibilities

Lead supplier quality management for assigned commodities and suppliers, including qualification, surveillance, and performance monitoring.
Conduct on-site supplier audits and assessments against AS9100, customer flow-downs, and applicable regulatory and contractual requirements.
Drive root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA/8D) for supplier nonconformances, rejections, and escalations, including delays affecting on-time delivery.
Analyze supplier reject and transaction data, including RI rejects and WIP transactions, to identify trends, top detractors, and systemic issues; present findings in management-ready summaries.
Own and disposition Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), track them to closure, and verify effectiveness.
Support new supplier qualification, including First Article Inspection (FAI/AS9102), PPAP-equivalent submissions, and process capability studies.
Partner with Procurement and Engineering to evaluate supplier certifications against program requirements and assess risks and gaps.
Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, quality metrics, and dashboards using Power BI or similar tools to support management review.
Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition nonconforming material.
Mentor junior quality engineers and contribute to supplier quality process improvements and training.
Travel to supplier sites as needed for audits, containment activities, and qualification events, up to 50%.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Employer matching 401(k) retirement plan and company contribution to a health savings account.
Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Paid parental leave benefits.
Tuition reimbursement.
Professional development support and career-growth programs.
Life and disability insurance coverage.
Telemedicine.
Legal insurance.
Wellness programs focused on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Flexible work schedules through the 9/80 program.
Community service hours.
Eligible employees may receive annual performance-based bonuses and equity awards.
Overtime pay for non-exempt employees, as applicable. Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.