To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) with the responsibility of ensuring the quality of products and processes at supplier sites. This role will help manage supplier qualifications, development, and ongoing performance, requiring significant travel to supplier facilities to conduct audits, resolve quality issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. The individual operating in this capacity will support all aspects of supplier quality, to include: quality characteristic identification and control, process control, advanced product quality planning process (APQP), inspection and testing, measurement system analysis, corrective action, etc.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with Supplier Management team to help drive strategic sourcing needs, decisions, and priorities.
• Collaborating with the Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Mission Operations teams, to meet program goals.
• Participate in the quality planning and design and development processes by providing key input and representing the quality function while liaising with key suppliers.
• Recommend investments and resources required to improve manufacturing and assembly quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with Stratolaunch requirements, aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100), and the Stratolaunch supplier approval processes (including supplier qualification, re-qualification, and ongoing surveillance).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities for supplier nonconformances, including supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), containment, root cause, corrective/preventive actions, verification of effectiveness, and timely closure.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement process improvements and preventive actions.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams regarding quality requirements and expectations.
• Ensure suppliers maintain proper documentation and records for quality assurance, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate and/or perform supplier source inspection activities as required (e.g., at supplier site or at receiving), including alignment on sampling/inspection plans and disposition of findings.
• Review and approve supplier quality plans, inspection procedures, and first article inspection (FAI) reports.
• Travel to supplier sites to monitor performance and resolve quality issues.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in quality management system requirements (such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949)
• Knowledge and experience with fundamental quality improvement and assurance tools (such as MSA, APQP, and CAPA)
• Experience with supplier quality management, supplier development, and working with external vendors
• Experience with Aerospace industry standards
• Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Required Computer Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)

Preferred Computer Skills

• Statistical analysis applications (Minitab or equivalent)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Sr Level ($102,000-$148,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($128,000-$186,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

 

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Position based in Mojave, CA
• Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work arrangement for highly qualified Southern California candidates
• Position requires significant interaction on the shop floor with the Materials and Processes, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management teams
• Travel expectations may be significant (up to 50% or more), for visiting manufacturing vendors