Supplier Engineer

About Firehawk Aerospace

Firehawk Aerospace is pioneering the development of additively manufactured rocket propulsion systems, combining advanced manufacturing techniques with innovative engineering to deliver safer, more reliable, and cost-effective solutions for aerospace and defense. We are seeking a talented Supplier Engineer to join our team and help shape the future of rocket motor manufacturing.

Location:

Addison, TX

As a Supplier Engineer at Firehawk Aerospace, you will be responsible for managing activities at external suppliers from establishing product and process development through production. Collaborating closely with Engineering and Supply Chain, you will drive the vetting and qualification of Firehawk’s supply base to ensure product conformity, identify and resolve product and process issues, and promote continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, a strong understanding of engineering and supplier quality principles, and a commitment to optimizing supplier performance.

• Serve as the focal point for supplier quality, development, manufacturing, and sustainment
• Lead supplier hardware and process development and qualification activities
• Manage supplier performance and compliance in accordance with Firehawk’s AS9100 certified QMS as well as DoD and customer specific flow-down requirements and regulatory standards
• Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering to address supplier risks, performance issues, and process capability gaps
• Analyze supplier metrics and performance trends to drive continuous improvement within the supply base to improve quality, delivery, and compliance
• Review and approve FAI reports, deviation requests, and nonconformance dispositions
• Support quality planning activities including receiving inspection planning, supplier control plans, risk assessments, and quality clauses flow-down
• Support supplier's manufacturing and production readiness reviews, identifying risks and driving corrective actions
• Investigate supplier escapes and ensure thorough root cause analysis is performed with effective corrective and preventative actions
• Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and surveillance activities
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and internal QMS procedures
• Support development and maintenance of quality documentation and work instructions
• Provide technical guidance to junior quality engineers and cross-functional team members

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing
• Proven ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in a supplier quality role
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T
• Experience with AS9100 / ISO 9001 and aerospace and defense customer requirements
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, industry and military specifications, and contractual requirements
• Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g. 8D, 5-Why)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including customer and supplier interaction
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Work Requirements:
  Combination of office and manufacturing floor with periodic travel for supplier visits

• Demonstrated experience leading hardware and process qualification activities within the defense industry
• Familiarity with R&D manufacturing in the aerospace and defense industry
• Experience with raw materials and polymer processing
• Demonstrated experience in program quality roles
• Experience supporting internal, customer, and third-party audits
• Experience with MRB participation and authority
• Experience with AS9102 and AS9103
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and risk-based quality tools

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the…