Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer / Vendor Quality Analyst

We are seeking a hands-on, proactive Supplier Quality Engineer, or Vendor Quality Analyst, with experience driving supplier quality improvements across our PCBA, electromechanical, and enclosure suppliers. This role is not only about identifying defects, but also about preventing them by working closely with suppliers and our internal teams to improve processes, clarify requirements, refine documentation, and develop better tools or fixtures when needed.

The ideal candidate will actively look for opportunities to elevate supplier performance, even when the improvements must originate on our side. This includes recommending clearer work instructions, enhanced test methods, improved acceptance criteria, or better design-for-manufacture practices. The successful candidate will be comfortable being on-site at suppliers, diagnosing issues firsthand, and partnering with both supplier engineers and our own internal teams to ensure consistent, high-quality deliveries that meet AS9100D standards.

Frequent travel is required to enable strong supplier relationships, real-time feedback, and early detection of quality risks.

• Serve as a primary supplier-facing Quality representative for PCBA, electromechanical enclosure, and cable/harness manufacturing.
• 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.
• Evaluate supplier SMT, assembly, and inspection processes; recommend improvements to reduce defects and improve yield.
• Assist Engineering with manufacturability feedback, component failure analysis, and electrical troubleshooting insights.
• Support supplier bring-up activities including first article inspections, prototype validation, and early ESS monitoring.
• Ensure supplier compliance with IPC‑610, IPC-620, IPC‑J‑STD‑001, and related industry workmanship standards.
• Review supplier documentation packages including FAI, test results, inspection data, and AS9100D-required records.
• Maintain supplier scorecards, quality metrics, and trending; provide reports and recommendations to leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement across suppliers using better instructions, clearer acceptance criteria, and improved test or assembly fixtures.

• 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.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to identify quality risks and propose actionable improvements.
• Strong understanding of ISO
  9001:2015, AS9100D requirements and aerospace-quality documentation.
• Ability to interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, test procedures, and mechanical drawings.
• Strong communication skills and confidence interacting directly with suppliers.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently.

• 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.
• Experience with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704 and MIL-STD-810 qualification testing.
• Experience with functional testing, ICT, flying probe, or electrical test fixture development.
• Knowledge of ESS, HALT/HASS, and other environmental test methods.
• Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements, fixture design feedback, or operational tooling enhancements.
• Experience in aerospace and defense production environments.
• ERP/MRP system experience for quality tracking and supplier management.

• Associate degree in Electronics, Electrical Technology, or related field OR equivalent hands-on technician experience. Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in electronics manufacturing, supplier quality, or hardware diagnostics roles.
• Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on troubleshooting and interpret detailed electrical documentation.
• US Person required; ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Position located in Melbourne, FL (not remote).