Supplier Quality Engineer

Location:

On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

BWXT Enrichment Operations is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to support the Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility (CMDF). This position is responsible for developing and maintaining a qualified supplier network capable of supporting prototype development, manufacturing readiness, and future production operations.

The Supplier Quality Engineer will serve as the primary quality interface between BWXT EO and external suppliers, ensuring purchased materials, components, and services meet technical, quality, schedule, and readiness requirements. The role focuses on supplier qualification, supplier audits, supplier development, source inspection planning, and supplier readiness activities that support the transition of centrifuge technology from development to commercial manufacturing.

The successful candidate will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality organizations to identify supplier risks, improve supplier performance, and establish a robust supply chain capable of supporting future manufacturing scale‑up.

• Leads supplier qualification and approval activities.
• Evaluates supplier quality systems, technical capabilities, manufacturing processes, and capacity.
• Conducts supplier risk assessments and determines appropriate supplier classifications.
• Supports maintenance of the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Reviews supplier quality documentation and certifications.
• Plans and conducts supplier quality audits and assessments.
• Evaluates supplier compliance with quality requirements and contractual obligations.
• Documents audit findings and verifies corrective action implementation.
• Supports risk‑based supplier surveillance activities.
• Assesses supplier readiness for prototype and production support.
• Partners with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, and process capability.
• Facilitates supplier corrective actions and root cause investigations.
• Assists suppliers in implementing process controls and quality improvements.
• Supports development of strategic supplier relationships.
• Identifies and mitigates supplier performance risks.
• Develops source inspection strategies for critical suppliers and components.
• Coordinates source inspections and supplier witness points.
• Verifies compliance with technical and quality requirements prior to shipment.
• Supports First Article Inspection (FAI) activities performed at supplier locations.
• Assesses supplier readiness for new product introductions and manufacturing scale‑up.
• Evaluates supplier capacity, staffing, equipment, and process maturity.
• Supports Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Technology Transfer Reviews (TTR).
• Identifies supply chain risks affecting program milestones and production readiness.
• Develops and maintains supplier scorecards.
• Monitors supplier quality, delivery, responsiveness, and performance trends.
• Analyzes supplier performance data and identifies improvement opportunities.
• Escalates significant supplier risks and performance concerns.
• Collaborates with Engineering on supplier technical evaluations.
• Supports Manufacturing with supplier‑related quality issues.
• Partners with Supply Chain on sourcing decisions and supplier selection.
• Supports Configuration Management and Engineering Change activities impacting suppliers.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Quality Engineering, or Supply Chain Quality.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a D.O.E. security clearance.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and supplier evaluations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Supplier Qualification, Supplier Auditing, Corrective Action Management, Root Cause Analysis, Risk Assessments, Supplier Development, Supplier Scorecards, First Article Inspection (FAI), Process Validation, Quality Systems.
• Strong communication, technical credibility, and the ability to influence without…