Supplier Quality Engineering Manager 2

The Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) Manager, located at our Mesa, AZ site, leads the strategy and daily execution of Supplier Quality and Mission Assurance activities across the supply base. This role ensures clear flow down of Mission Assurance and Supplier Quality requirements, supports compliance to applicable regulations and standards, and drives continuous improvement in supplier performance. The SQE Manager oversees supplier evaluations, on-site surveillance, inspection/acceptance, and corrective action, while maintaining the approved supplier list and coordinating supplier quality certifications.  

Responsibilities  

• Direct management responsibility for 6-12 direct reports. 

• Flow down Mission Assurance and Supplier Quality requirements into supplier contracts, purchase orders, and statements of work; verify supplier quality plans and acceptance criteria are complete and effective. 

• Lead and support regulatory and standards compliance (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100 or equivalent), including MRB (Material Review Board) participation, FAI (First Article Inspection) planning and approval, and approval of special processes (e.g., heat treatment, welding, plating; including NADCAP where applicable). 

• Manage supplier evaluations, process audits, capability assessments, and on-site surveillance; perform and/or coordinate source inspection and acceptance at supplier locations. 

• Manage SCARs (Supplier Corrective Action Requests), ensure timely containment, root cause analysis, corrective/preventive action (e.g., 8D), and verify effectiveness; communicate quality issues and status to internal teams and suppliers. 

• Manage supplier performance feedback in SAMS (Supplier Assessment and Management System), drive supplier business reviews, and lead RTG (Return-to-Green) recovery plans when performance falls below targets. 

• Analyze supplier quality data and trends; report key performance indicators and identify improvement opportunities across cost of poor quality, yield, and on-time delivery/acceptance. 

• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to prevent defects, resolve issues, and align product acceptance criteria and configuration requirements. 

• Develop, coach, and lead a high-performing SQE team; establish standard work, training, and continuous improvement practices for supplier quality. 

• Support internal and external audits and customer/regulatory inquiries related to supplier quality and mission assurance. 

Basic Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s Degree plus 8 years of relevant experience; or Master’s Degree plus 6 years of relevant experience. 

• Hands-on experience with MRB, FAI (AS9102 or equivalent), special process approval, and supplier source inspection/acceptance. 

• Working knowledge of quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100 or equivalent), and application at suppliers. 

• Demonstrated ability to conduct supplier audits, issue and manage SCARs, and verify corrective action effectiveness using structured root cause methods (e.g., 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone). 

• Proficiency with supplier performance management systems (e.g., SAMS or equivalent) and KPI reporting. 

• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with internal teams and suppliers. 

• Ability to travel to supplier sites as needed.

• Ability to obtain & maintain a DoD security clearance (US Citizenship Required) 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Quality, Materials/Science, Business Management, or related fields. 

• 8+ years in supplier quality, quality engineering, or manufacturing quality, including 3+ years leading or managing teams withing Quality and Mission Assurance, Supplier Quality, Supply Chain, or equivalent. 

• ASQ certifications (e.g., CQE, CQA, CMQ/OE) and/or ISO 9001/AS9100 Lead Auditor credential. 

• Experience in aerospace, defense, medical devices, or similarly regulated industries; familiarity with NADCAP special processes. 

• Demonstrated success leading RTG (Return-to-Green) recovery plans and supplier business reviews. 

• Knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawings, metrology, and inspection methods (including CMM). 

• Experience with APQP/PPAP or equivalent advanced quality planning in a supplier environment. 

• Lean/Six Sigma Green or Black Belt; proven track record driving supplier cost-of-quality and yield improvements. 

• Experience maintaining an approved supplier list and supplier qualification process, including certification coordination and risk management.