Supplier Quality Engineer (Aerospace)

Supplier Quality Engineer – Aerospace Manufacturing

Location: Charlotte, NC - Must be local no relocations.
Salary: $130k – $145k (DOE)
Department: Quality Assurance
Job Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Our aerospace client is seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join their manufacturing team. The SQE will be responsible for evaluating and auditing supplier processes to ensure compliance with aerospace and defense industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality expectations. This role requires close collaboration with suppliers and internal engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and ensure the delivery of high-quality components and assemblies that meet stringent aerospace standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct process audits at supplier facilities to assess quality systems, manufacturing practices, and compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and customer-specific standards.

• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers, including initial audits and ongoing performance monitoring.

• Lead investigations of non-conformances, identifying root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Partner with suppliers and internal teams to resolve issues related to welding, special processes, and manufacturability.

• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and program management to support new product introduction (NPI) and supplier readiness.

• Ensure supplier processes are capable and controlled for critical aerospace components, welding documentation, and special processes.

• Develop and maintain supplier quality agreements and related documentation.

• Monitor and report supplier performance metrics, including PPAP/FAI results, delivery quality, and responsiveness.

• Support compliance with ITAR/EAR, DFARS, and customer audit requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.

• 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, mechanical engineering, or manufacturing planning, preferably within aerospace or defense.

• Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, FAI/PPAP, and aerospace quality system requirements.

• Experience conducting process and system audits (AS9100 Lead Auditor certification is a plus).

• Expertise with welding standards (AWS D17.1/B2.1) and hands-on familiarity with WPS/PQR documentation.

• Skilled in SolidWorks 3D CAD, with ability to review, redline, and optimize supplier and customer drawings.

• Strong knowledge of special processes (welding, machining, heat treating, plating, NDT).

• Proficient in root cause analysis and quality tools (8D, Fishbone, 5 Whys, Pareto).

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

• Willingness to travel up to 30–50% domestically or internationally.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with APQP, DFMEA/PFMEA, and control plans.

• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP or equivalent), Microsoft Office, and quality software (Minitab or similar).

• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies (certification is a plus).

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Person status required per 22 U.S.C. § 6010.