Prin Supplier QA Engineer; Remote​/Southern California

Principal Supplier Quality Engineer (Remote/Southern California)

Job Location:

US-ME-Saco (Fully Remote)

The Principal Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of components sourced from suppliers specializing in metal casting and mold manufacturing. This role provides technical leadership for supplier qualification, process validation, quality improvement, and ongoing risk management across our supply base. The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience with cast metals, mold tooling, foundry processes, and metallurgy.

• Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
• Leads others to solve complex problems
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
• May lead functional teams or projects
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

• Focuses on planning, organizing, directing, and reporting on supplier provided raw materials, designed/manufactured goods, and packaging materials to ensure they meet or exceed requirements.
• Verifies and validates that suppliers and/or subcontractors have received and understand engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements.
• Monitors quality control activities and systems at supplier and subcontractor facilities.
• Ensures programs are in place to improve supplier performance and productivity.
• Reviews and analyzes corrective action reports to reduce/eliminate defects.
• May perform root cause investigations into quality issues.
• Conducts audits and supports testing of products, materials, and processes to measure effectiveness and compliance with company expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Review and dispositions supplier deliverables to ensure requirements are met.

• Qualify and audit casting/tooling suppliers
• Verify foundry/mold shop compliance
• Implement supplier process controls
• Approve PPAP, FMEA, flows, certs
• Lead RCA and corrective actions for defects
• Drive CI and scrap reduction
• Review metallurgy and dimensional data
• Support DFM and casting feasibility
• Monitor KPIs and manage changes/issues

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience OR Equivalent Combination of Relevant Education &/or Experience
• Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree, ISO
  9001 Lead or Internal Auditor, Six Sigma Green Belt
• Discipline/Major: Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Manufacturing Engineering, preferred.
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Issue Resolution. KPI Management. Performance Analysis. Quality Audit. Quality Control/Testing. Quality Improvement. Quality Inspection. Supplier Management. Vendor Relationships. Service Level Agreements (SLA). Supplier Evaluation. Regulatory Compliance. ISO
  9001.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • In-depth knowledge of common casting methods (investment, sand, die, permanent mold, gravity, etc.).
  • Understanding of mold design, gating/feeder systems, metallurgical testing (NDT), and dimensional control.
  • Experience conducting supplier audits and leading corrective action activities.
  • Familiarity with quality tools such as PPAP, APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, GD&T.
  • Strong problem‑solving, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Experience working directly with domestic foundries.
  • Knowledge of heat treatment specifications and alloy behavior (aluminum, steel, iron, specialty alloys).
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD models and interpreting complex technical drawings.
  • Experience with ISO 9001, A9100, or other relevant quality system standards.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
• Work primarily in a climate‑controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

25-50% travel likely.

$ - $

The salary range displayed reflects the…