Supplier Quality Engineer (Aerospace)

ACE Thermal Systems•Thornton, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for managing the quality of the global supply base. This role involves corresponding with suppliers to ensure they are meeting quality, compliance, and performance requirements. The Supplier Quality Engineer will own supplier quality performance throughout the product lifecycle, from qualification and new product introduction through production and continuous improvement. This position plays a key role in strengthening supplier performance by driving defect prevention, improving process capability, and ensuring alignment to engineering, regulatory, and customer requirements. This requires both technical depth and the ability to influence and elevate supplier performance in a demanding, mission-critical environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
5+ years of experience in a supplier quality engineer role, preferably in the manufacturing aerospace or defense industry.
Strong experience in root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
Proven track record of conducting supplier audits and driving supplier improvement initiatives.
In-depth experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP, FAA, and other relevant aerospace quality standards and regulations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and quality software tools.
Ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and standards.
Proficiency in English
Ability to be on-site at our Seminole, OK facility Monday thru Friday.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or Tier 1 suppliers within the aerospace and defense industries is preferred.
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), or Six Sigma Green / Black belt is a plus.
AS9100 Lead Auditor certification desired.
Familiarity with APQP, FAI, FMEA, SPC, and control plans is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead supplier selection and qualification activities, including capability assessments, risk evaluations, and on-site audits.
Ensure effective flow-down of engineering, quality, and customer-specific requirements.
Drive supplier readiness for production, including First Article Inspection (FAI) and process validation.
Assess and approve supplier manufacturing processes, controls, and quality systems in alignment with AS9100.
Establish, monitor, and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) including PPM, on-time delivery (OTD), cost of poor quality (COPQ), and escapes.
Lead structured supplier performance reviews with corresponding improvement plans.
Partner with Supply Chain Management to align sourcing decisions with supplier performance and risk.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, variation, and cost.
Lead investigation and resolution of supplier-related nonconformances and escapes.
Drive robust root cause analysis using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, FEMA, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, etc.).
Ensure corrective actions are implemented, verified, and effective in preventing recurrence.
Escalate critical issues and drive timely containment, resolution, and communication.
Evaluate and improve supplier process controls using tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and control plans.
Identify and mitigate risks related to special processes, capacity constraints, and process variation.
Drive implementation of error-proofing and prevention-based quality systems.
Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with AS9100 and regulatory and customer requirements.
Support customer and regulatory audits involving the supply base.
Ensure suppliers maintain robust and compliant quality management systems.
Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, and Program Management to resolve supplier issues and improve overall supply chain performance.
Provide technical input on supplier selection, development, and risk management.
Act as a key interface between the company, its suppliers, and customers.