Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer Lead

Leidos•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

The Leidos Mission Assurance organization currently has an opening for a Lead Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer in the Leidos Defense Aerospace business area to join a diverse team working closely with Program Quality, Manufacturing, Program Leadership, and as well to create unique solutions for complex problems. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields, Leidos Defense provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions. Primary Responsibilities. Serves/Leads as a primary supplier on all quality control activities such as problem identification, resolution, loss reporting and continuous improvement. Experience with procuring process and working with space rated hardware (mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, materials) Manages daily supplier quality activities across the complete program Excellent in-house and external communication and liaison skills Communicate effectively with supplier(s), customer(s), and/or government quality assurance representative(s). Supports and interfaces with the supplier base and conduct supplier quality functions for aerospace and defense manufacturing. Works closely with Procurement, Program Managers, Supplier Program Managers, Program Quality Engineers, Business Area Quality Managers and Receiving Inspection to resolve supplier issues. Perform on-site supplier quality audits/assessments including also capability/capacity studies. Perform deep dives to analyze supplier issues/problems and facilitate containment, implementation of corrective and preventive actions, and development of lessons learned. Identify, collect, and analyze measures to effectively track supplier performance (nonconforming material, defect rates, supplier corrective actions etc.) and quality/process improvement initiatives. Champion quality and process improvement initiatives by leveraging data-driven insights to ensure sustained supplier excellence and compliance with requirements. Participate in supplier/subcontractor selection and oversight to ensure the flow down of applicable quality clauses and requirements and that supplier/subcontractors are meeting contractual requirements. Reviews supplier-manufacturing processes and collaborate with suppliers on process improvements, capabilities, and value enhancement opportunities. Coordinate with Purchasing Department and/or the Program/Project to monitor overall supplier quality performance i.e., maintain detailed reporting and ensure that this data is visible to the Programs. Review supplier inspection/test documentation including FAI’s, material test reports, etc. Stays current on any changes that may affect the supply and demand of products and materials and advise others of any impact. Works with other SQEs and related functions to develop the mindset and process knowledge required as well as process issues across programs. Collaborates with other SQEs and Subject Matter Experts (SME) to validate process capabilities and needs for improvement across product commodities to broaden the supply base. Supports Supplier Quality Analysts in supplier vetting, GIDEP Alerts and other technical matters. Perform other quality related tasks as directed by management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and eight (8) years of prior relevant experience in a Defense/Aerospace Manufacturing Environment including and 5 years in either Quality or Supplier Quality Engineering under an AS9100 or other stringent QMS.
In lieu of degree, High School Diploma/GED with a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in a Manufacturing Environment and 5 years in supplier quality and/or quality engineering under an AS9100 system or equivalent experience in DOD, Aerospace, or Automotive manufacturing quality control.
Extensive experience working with non-conforming material, reviewing failure analysis, root cause, and corrective action (short & long term) received back from suppliers.
Must have experience performing supplier audits and assessments relative to program requirements.
In depth knowledge of AS9100/ISO9001 requirements.
In depth knowledge with machining and coating (i.e., chem-film, anodize, paint etc.) processes.
Must be able to work with program managers, program quality engineers, design & manufacturing engineers, and suppliers to ensure quality requirements are understood and communicated effectively.
Candidate must have active problem-solving skills, working with minimal supervision and in teams.
Candidate must have the ability to read and interpret blueprints/schematics, CAD models, specifications, and contract quality requirements, and other documents including review and approval AS9102 First Article Inspection.
Candidate must be able to demonstrate strong personal organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work with people across the Aerospace/Defense and supplier’s organizations.
Candidate must have computer skills including experience with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and the ability to write technical documents.
Candidate must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
Travel is required, 50% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Experience with multiple standards and methods as specified on contracts and drawings, i.e., IPC-J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A 620 standards and drive that to usage at suppliers and Receiving Inspect.
Experience with optical glass, both powered and unpowered, as well as mirrors.
Experience working knowledge with assembly, integration, and testing.
Experience working knowledge of one or more special processes i.e., paint, welding, chem film / anodize, heat treat, counterfeit material and be able to audit suppliers to the requirements of these processes.

Responsibilities

Serves/Leads as a primary supplier on all quality control activities such as problem identification, resolution, loss reporting and continuous improvement.
Experience with procuring process and working with space rated hardware (mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, materials)
Manages daily supplier quality activities across the complete program
Excellent in-house and external communication and liaison skills
Communicate effectively with supplier(s), customer(s), and/or government quality assurance representative(s).
Supports and interfaces with the supplier base and conduct supplier quality functions for aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Works closely with Procurement, Program Managers, Supplier Program Managers, Program Quality Engineers, Business Area Quality Managers and Receiving Inspection to resolve supplier issues.
Perform on-site supplier quality audits/assessments including also capability/capacity studies.
Perform deep dives to analyze supplier issues/problems and facilitate containment, implementation of corrective and preventive actions, and development of lessons learned.
Identify, collect, and analyze measures to effectively track supplier performance (nonconforming material, defect rates, supplier corrective actions etc.) and quality/process improvement initiatives.
Champion quality and process improvement initiatives by leveraging data-driven insights to ensure sustained supplier excellence and compliance with requirements.
Participate in supplier/subcontractor selection and oversight to ensure the flow down of applicable quality clauses and requirements and that supplier/subcontractors are meeting contractual requirements.
Reviews supplier-manufacturing processes and collaborate with suppliers on process improvements, capabilities, and value enhancement opportunities.
Coordinate with Purchasing Department and/or the Program/Project to monitor overall supplier quality performance i.e., maintain detailed reporting and ensure that this data is visible to the Programs.
Review supplier inspection/test documentation including FAI’s, material test reports, etc.
Stays current on any changes that may affect the supply and demand of products and materials and advise others of any impact.
Works with other SQEs and related functions to develop the mindset and process knowledge required as well as process issues across programs.
Collaborates with other SQEs and Subject Matter Experts (SME) to validate process capabilities and needs for improvement across product commodities to broaden the supply base.
Supports Supplier Quality Analysts in supplier vetting, GIDEP Alerts and other technical matters.
Perform other quality related tasks as directed by management.