Supplier Quality Engineer SQE

Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)

Ondas Sentinel is seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to drive the technical qualification, continuous improvement, and rigorous quality oversight of our global supply chain. This role serves as the primary technical interface between Ondas Sentinel Engineering, Operations, and our supplier network. The ideal candidate will leverage advanced aerospace quality methodologies to mitigate risk, resolve product discrepancies, and ensure full compliance with regulatory and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Execute Supplier Approvals:
  Lead the supplier onboarding and approval process, evaluating technical capabilities and quality management systems.
• APQP & PPAP Implementation:
  Apply Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) tools per AS9145 to drive successful qualification of new suppliers, components, and products.
• Supplier Audits:
  Schedule and perform comprehensive supplier quality system and process audits; verify compliance with company requirements, AS9100, and federal regulations.
• Supplier Change Management:
  Manage the intake, technical review, and risk assessment of Supplier Change Requests (SCR).
• Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement:
  Monitor, analyze, and communicate supplier performance metrics, maintaining detailed reports on defect rates, Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and systemic flaws.
• Statistical Controls:
  Work with suppliers to drive continuous improvement in their manufacturing controls, focusing on failure mode analysis (FMEA), process monitoring, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods.
• Development Initiatives:
  Implement targeted supplier development programs to improve process efficiency, reduce defect rates, and elevate underperforming vendors.
• Corrective Actions & Cross-Functional Liaison:
  Support operations on supplier-related performance issues. Lead formal material reviews, verify containment activities, and drive robust 8D corrective action investigations.
• Receiving Inspection Support:
  Refine incoming inspection criteria, review vendor documentation, and provide technical guidance on product testing and defect identification.
• Executive Reporting:
  Serve as a key technical liaison to communicate critical supplier risks, metrics, and mitigation strategies to senior leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Industrial) or equivalent technical experience.
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  10+ years of preferred experience in an Aerospace, Defense, or Aviation supplier quality engineering role.
• Standards Expertise:
  Deep working knowledge of aerospace and automotive quality frameworks, specifically AS9100, AS9110, IATF-16949, and AS9145 (APQP/PPAP).
• Professional Certification: ASQ certification as a CSQP (Certified Supplier Quality Professional) or CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) is highly desirable.

Technical & Behavioral

Skills:

• Problem-Solving Expert:
  Proven expertise performing root cause analysis and navigating material review boards (RCCA, FRB, CAB, CCB processes).
• Data-Driven:
  Excellent statistical analysis, quality assurance skills, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) comprehension.
• Project Management:
  Demonstrated ability to independently plan, prioritize, and manage a heavy workload across multiple moving projects to support rapid engineering development and operations.
• Supplier Engagement:
  Strong manufacturing environment acumen with a proven track record of visiting vendor facilities, assessing technical lines, and establishing collaborative but firm quality boundaries.
• Communication:
  Exceptional liaison and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical defects into clear engineering requirements and executive summaries.

What We Offer:

You will work side by side with experts in emerging technology, gaining exposure to cutting edge ideas and projects that are shaping the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance because we believe in taking care of the you as a person, not just a team member. Our Tucson workplace is designed to support collaboration, focus, and well-being, with an on-site environment that keeps manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality, and program teams closely connected to the mission.

We believe in creating a dynamic and inclusive workplace where creativity thrives, and every voice is heard. Our commitment to all team members is built upon five core cultural pillars:
Engage, Lean In, Create, Care, and Own. Together, these pillars form the foundation of our employee experience while adhering to the highest standards of ethical and sustainable practices.

Some Final Notes:

The description gives you a sense of what the position involves, but is not an exhaustive list. We are a growing and evolving team, which means your responsibilities may shift or expand over time as new…