Supplier Quality Lead

BWXT • Oak Ridge, TN

6d • $99,000 - $157,000 • Onsite

About The Position

BWXT Enrichment Operations is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to support the Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility (CMDF). This position is responsible for developing and maintaining a qualified supplier network capable of supporting prototype development, manufacturing readiness, and future production operations. The Supplier Quality Engineer will serve as the primary quality interface between BWXT EO and external suppliers, ensuring purchased materials, components, and services meet technical, quality, schedule, and readiness requirements. The role focuses on supplier qualification, supplier audits, supplier development, source inspection planning, and supplier readiness activities that support the transition of centrifuge technology from development to commercial manufacturing. The successful candidate will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality organizations to identify supplier risks, improve supplier performance, and establish a robust supply chain capable of supporting future manufacturing scale-up.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Quality Engineering, or Supply Chain Quality.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a D.O.E. security clearance.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and supplier evaluations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in: Supplier Qualification, Supplier Auditing, Corrective Action Management, Root Cause Analysis, Risk Assessments, Supplier Development, Supplier Scorecards, First Article Inspection (FAI), Process Validation, Quality Systems
• Strong communication, technical credibility, and the ability to influence without authority
• Systems thinking, sound judgment, collaborative problem solving, and a continuous improvement mindset

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical device, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP).
• Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions.
• Experience with precision machining, fabrication, or complex manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with ISO,9001, NQA-1, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience with the following is highly desirable: ISO 9001, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Analysis (Cp/Cpk), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), ERP/MRP Systems, Power BI or Similar Analytics Tools

Responsibilities

• Leads supplier qualification and approval activities.
• Evaluates supplier quality systems, technical capabilities, manufacturing processes, and capacity.
• Conducts supplier risk assessments and determine appropriate supplier classifications.
• Supports maintenance of the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Reviews supplier quality documentation and certifications.
• Plans and conducts supplier quality audits and assessments.
• Evaluates supplier compliance with quality requirements and contractual obligations.
• Documents audit findings and verify corrective action implementation.
• Supports risk-based supplier surveillance activities.
• Assesses supplier readiness for prototype and production support.
• Partners with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, and process capability.
• Facilitates supplier corrective actions and root cause investigations.
• Assists suppliers in implementing process controls and quality improvements.
• Supports development of strategic supplier relationships.
• Identifies and mitigates supplier performance risks.
• Develops source inspection strategies for critical suppliers and components.
• Coordinates source inspections and supplier witness points.
• Verifies compliance with technical and quality requirements prior to shipment.
• Supports First Article Inspection (FAI) activities performed at supplier locations.
• Assesses supplier readiness for new product introductions and manufacturing scale-up.
• Evaluates supplier capacity, staffing, equipment, and process maturity.
• Supports Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Technology Transfer Reviews (TTR).
• Identifies supply chain risks affecting program milestones and production readiness.
• Develops and maintains supplier scorecards.
• Monitors supplier quality, delivery, responsiveness, and performance trends.
• Analyzes supplier performance data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Escalates significant supplier risks and performance concerns.
• Collaborates with Engineering on supplier technical evaluations.
• Supports Manufacturing with supplier-related quality issues.
• Partners with Supply Chain on sourcing decisions and supplier selection.
• Supports Configuration Management and Engineering Change activities impacting suppliers.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

What This Job Offers

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