Supplier Quality Manager

CesiumAstro•Austin, TX

About The Position

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team. We are looking to add a Supplier Quality Manager to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge electronics for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you. In this role, you will lead CesiumAstro’s supplier quality engineering function, managing a team of Supplier Quality Engineers responsible for supplier qualification, supplier development, supplier performance evaluation,, and nonconformance resolution across the company’s aerospace and defense supply base. This role establishes and enforces supplier quality requirements, drives root cause and corrective action activity with suppliers, and partners closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure purchased hardware and materials meet AS9100 and contractual quality requirements. The Manager exercises latitude and independent judgment in administering supplier quality programs, policies, and staffing for the department.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field.
A minimum of 7 years of related experience with 1–3 years of leadership/management experience, including direct supervision of quality or supplier quality engineering staff.
Strong working knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001 quality management systems and aerospace supplier quality requirements.
Proficiency in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).
Experience with supplier qualification, PPAP, and First Article Inspection (AS9102) processes.
Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and quality inspection methods.
Understanding of ITAR/EAR and DFARS requirements applicable to aerospace and defense suppliers.
Demonstrated people leadership skills, including coaching, performance management, and team development.
Strong cross-functional collaboration and supplier relationship management skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook
Experience with ERP/MRP systems, such as Acumatica, SAP, or comparable platforms
Familiarity with Quality Management System (QMS) software
Experience with statistical analysis tools, such as Minitab
Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software
Ability to travel to supplier and manufacturing sites, domestically and occasionally internationally, up to approximately 50% of the time.

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

Manage and develop a team of Supplier Quality Engineers, including hiring, workload assignment, performance management, and career development.
Manage department budget, staffing plans, and resource allocation for the supplier quality function.
Direct the team's implementation and maintenance of supplier quality processes and documentation in accordance with AS9100 and applicable standards, leveraging business systems functionality to drive process efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure the team works cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to drive supplier flow-down and compliance to QMS, customer, industry, and regulatory/statutory requirements.
Oversee the approved supplier base, including supplier qualification, periodic performance review, supplier relationship management, risk assessment, and removal when necessary.
Ensure the team provides suppliers the technical guidance, support, and training needed to align with CesiumAstro requirements for execution.
Partner with Design Engineering to ensure suppliers' design-for-manufacturability (DFM) considerations are incorporated into supplier processes.
Oversee supplier site audits and source inspection activities as needed.
Oversee nonconformance investigations and root cause corrective action activities when supplier issues occur, including disposition of nonconformances such as rework, scrap, and RMA.
Monitor and drive resolution of escalated Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
Establish and analyze supplier performance metrics, including defect rate, nonconformances, on-time delivery, cost of rework/scrap, and SCAR resolution.
Use supplier performance data to drive strategic partnerships and develop supplier capability with key suppliers.
Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the supplier quality function.