Sr. Supplier Development Engineer (Mechanical)

Neros Technologies•Torrance, CA

2d•$154,000 - $215,500•Onsite

About The Position

Neros is a defense technology company focused on rebuilding America's drone industrial base. They design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. The company culture is fast, hands-on, and aims to rapidly deploy capabilities. As drones transform warfare, Neros is delivering systems for the West to compete and deter adversaries. They are seeking engineers, operators, and builders who are motivated to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and deliver capability quickly. As a Supplier Development Engineer specializing in mechanical commodities, the role is crucial for ensuring external suppliers can produce complex mechanical hardware to Neros' standards for quality, speed, and scale. This position involves close collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing, sourcing, and suppliers to translate requirements into effective manufacturing processes, prevent quality issues, and rapidly resolve supplier-related production risks.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, process engineering, or a related role supporting mechanical hardware production
Hands-on experience with mechanical commodities such as CNC machining, precision machining, carbon fiber/composites, injection molding, additive manufacturing, sheet metal, castings, coatings, finishes, or mechanical assemblies
Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, material specifications, inspection plans, CMM reports, and manufacturing process documentation
Experience conducting supplier audits, process reviews, FAIs, capability assessments, and production readiness reviews in fast-paced NPI and production environments
Familiarity with supplier quality tools and methods such as AS9102 FAI, PPAP/APQP concepts, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, Cpk/Ppk, MSA/GR&R, 8D, SCARs, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action management
Ability to diagnose mechanical part defects, dimensional escapes, surface finish/cosmetic issues, material nonconformances, process variation, and supplier control weaknesses
Proven track record of taking ownership, moving quickly under production pressure, communicating clearly across engineering and supplier teams, and driving measurable quality improvements
Willingness to work hands-on with parts, suppliers, inspection data, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional teams rather than managing quality only through documentation

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, drones, automotive, medical device, or other high-reliability hardware environments
Experience with AS9100 suppliers, ITAR/EAR-controlled supply chains, high-mix manufacturing, or production ramps from prototype to rate production
Familiarity with composite manufacturing methods such as layup, cure, trim, bonding, NDI/NDT, and inspection of carbon fiber structures
Familiarity with precision machining, tight-tolerance mechanical assemblies, anodize/plating/coating processes, or supplier development in domestic and international supply bases
Experience working directly with contract manufacturers, machine shops, composite suppliers, molders, additive manufacturing suppliers, and sub-tier suppliers

Responsibilities

Own supplier quality and manufacturing readiness for mechanical commodities including CNC machined parts, carbon fiber/composite structures, injection molded components, additive manufactured parts, sheet metal, castings, coatings, finishes, and mechanical assemblies.
Review drawings, GD&T, material specifications, cosmetic requirements, inspection plans, process flows, FAIs, CMM reports, control plans, PFMEAs, and other quality documentation to validate supplier capability.
Partner with engineering and suppliers during NPI to identify DFM risks, tolerance stack-up concerns, process capability gaps, inspection strategy gaps, and production ramp risks before they impact builds.
Lead supplier qualification, FAI/AS9102, PPAP-style readiness, run-at-rate, process capability, MSA/GR&R, and ongoing supplier performance activities.
Drive containment, root-cause analysis, 8D/SCAR closure, corrective actions, and supplier improvement plans for dimensional, material, cosmetic, process, and reliability issues.
Work with sourcing and manufacturing teams to build a supplier base that can move fast, scale production, and meet high reliability standards in a demanding hardware environment.