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Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Onsite
Not Available
Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)
Primary Function
The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that suppliers consistently deliver materials, components, and services that meet the organization's stringent quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. Working closely with suppliers and cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management, this role drives supplier performance, mitigates quality risks, and ensures compliance with aerospace industry standards such as AS9100, FAA, and customer-specific requirements. The Supplier Quality Engineer leads supplier qualification, audits, root cause and corrective action (RCCA), continuous improvement initiatives, and data-driven quality performance monitoring to ensure product integrity, reliability, and on-time delivery throughout the product lifecycle. This hands-on position plays a critical role in maintaining operational excellence, supporting customer satisfaction, and fostering a culture of quality across the supply base.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Evaluate, qualify, and monitor supplier performance to ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory quality requirements.
Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and process evaluations in accordance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
Review supplier quality documentation, including First Article Inspection (FAI) packages, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (PFMEA), Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams.
Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and program management to resolve supplier quality issues and support new product introductions.
Investigate supplier-related nonconformances and facilitate Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone Analysis.
Monitor supplier corrective actions to ensure timely implementation, effectiveness, and closure.
Analyze supplier quality metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Support supplier selection, qualification, and development activities to improve quality, delivery, and overall supplier performance.
Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and assist with the disposition and resolution of supplier nonconforming material.
Review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements to verify supplier compliance with design and manufacturing standards.
Verify compliance with aerospace regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and applicable industry standards.
Coordinate containment activities for supplier escapes to minimize production disruptions and customer impact.
Support production, receiving inspection, and manufacturing teams by resolving supplier quality issues affecting production schedules.
Assist with supplier readiness activities for new product launches, engineering changes, and production transfers.
Maintain accurate supplier quality records, audit reports, corrective action documentation, and performance data.
Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing defects, improving process capability, and enhancing supplier performance.
Communicate supplier quality concerns, risks, and performance status to internal stakeholders and management.
Support customer audits, regulatory audits, and supplier surveillance activities as required.
Promote a culture of quality, compliance, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.
Perform other quality assurance and supplier development duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position will not have any direct reports.
Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Five (5) or more years of experience in Supplier Quality Engineering within the aerospace, defense, or aviation industry.
Experience conducting supplier audits and assessments in accordance with AS9100 and AS9102 requirements.
Professional certification such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP).
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience with supplier qualification, First Article Inspection (FAI), Material Review Board (MRB), and nonconforming material processes.
Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, quality management systems (QMS), and quality data analysis tools.
Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), supplier development, or production transfer activities.
Active or ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Aerospace, or a related technical field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Two (2) to five (5) years of relevant experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a quality-related role within aerospace, defense, aviation, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
Working knowledge of quality management systems (AS9100 and/or ISO 9001), supplier quality processes, corrective action methodologies, and continuous improvement principles.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation, including GD&T.
Experience conducting root cause analysis, resolving supplier quality issues, and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using quality or ERP/MRP systems.
Ability to travel as needed to support supplier audits, assessments, and development activities.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).
EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.