Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title:

Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Description

The Supplier Quality Engineer will drive continuous quality improvement across printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), electromechanical assemblies, and enclosure suppliers. This hands-on, supplier-facing role focuses on preventing defects by collaborating closely with suppliers and internal teams to refine processes, clarify requirements, enhance documentation, and develop improved tools and fixtures. The position requires frequent on-site presence at supplier locations to diagnose issues firsthand, ensure compliance with AS9100D and related standards, and secure consistent, high-quality deliveries.

The role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to mission-critical technologies in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

Responsibilities

+ Serve as the primary supplier-facing quality representative for PCBA, electromechanical enclosure, and cable/harness manufacturing partners.

+ Perform hands-on inspection, troubleshooting, and functional checks on incoming PCBAs, assemblies, and ESS-tested hardware.

+ Use advanced electrical technician skills to diagnose failures, identify workmanship issues, and validate supplier repairs.

+ Conduct on-site supplier audits, process reviews, root-cause investigations, and corrective-action follow-up activities.

+ Evaluate supplier SMT, assembly, and inspection processes and recommend improvements to reduce defects and improve yield.

+ Ensure supplier compliance with IPC-610, IPC-620, IPC-J-STD-001, and related industry workmanship standards.

+ Support supplier bring-up activities, including first article inspections, prototype validation, and early ESS monitoring.

+ Assist Engineering with manufacturability feedback, component failure analysis, and electrical troubleshooting insights.

+ Review supplier documentation packages, including FAI reports, test results, inspection data, and AS9100D-required records.

+ Maintain supplier scorecards, quality metrics, and trend analyses, and provide clear reports and recommendations to leadership.

+ Drive continuous improvement across suppliers by developing better work instructions, clearer acceptance criteria, and improved test or assembly fixtures.

+ Actively identify quality risks at suppliers and within internal processes and propose actionable, data-driven improvements.

+ Build strong relationships with supplier engineering and quality teams to enable real-time feedback and early detection of quality risks.

+ Travel frequently to supplier sites to perform on-site evaluations, support issue resolution, and reinforce quality expectations.

Must have Essential Skills

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Experience with PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT, soldering, rework, inspection, and in-circuit verification.

+ Familiarity with bring-up testing, ESS screening, and functional hardware test processes.

+ Experience conducting supplier audits, nonconformance reviews, and structured root-cause analysis methods such as 5-Whys and Ishikawa diagrams.

+ Proactive mindset with the ability to identify quality risks and propose actionable improvements.

+ Strong understanding of ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D requirements, including aerospace-quality documentation practices.

+ Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and mechanical drawings.

+ Strong communication skills with confidence interacting directly with supplier personnel at all levels.

+ Ability and willingness to travel frequently to supplier locations.

+ Hands-on experience working with PCBs and soldering in a manufacturing or quality environment.

+ Demonstrated capability to work independently in a supplier-facing quality role, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Strong background as an Electrical Technician with proven troubleshooting skills on PCBAs and electromechanical assemblies.

+ Hands-on ability to diagnose component failures, shorts, opens, solder defects, ESD issues, and intermittent faults.

+ Deep knowledge of IPC-610, IPC-620, IPC-J-STD-001, and related certifications.

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Experience with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, and MIL-STD-810 qualification testing.

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Experience with functi…