Supplier Quality Engineer
- Huntington Beach
SUMMARY
The Supplier Quality Engineer, internally classified as Quality Engineer, is an experienced quality professional ensuring aerospace supplier compliance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards. Skilled in audits, root cause analysis, FAI, and corrective actions. Proven track record improving supplier performance, relationships, reducing defects, and supporting flight-critical part reliability.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- None.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead supplier quality development, sustainment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Conduct supplier audits to ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards including AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA, and EASA requirements.
- Review and approve Supplier First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
- Evaluate supplier manufacturing processes, engineering documentation, and quality systems to ensure compliance with drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements.
- Drive Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), CAPA, Quality Notifications (QNs), and Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs) to eliminate recurring non-conformances.
- Support rapid containment and corrective actions for Supplier-Caused Customer Escapes (SCCE).
- Participate in APQP activities including PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, and process validation activities.
- Monitor supplier quality performance metrics including defect rates, escapes, delivery performance, and FAI First Pass Yield.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Program Management to resolve supplier-related quality issues.
- Qualify and assess new suppliers through capability evaluations, audits, and risk assessments.
- Provide technical guidance and coaching to suppliers regarding quality requirements and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain and manage the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
- Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits as required.
- Lead Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives to improve supplier quality performance and operational efficiency.
- Generate supplier quality reports and present findings, trends, and improvement actions to management.
- Ensure compliance with Quality Management System (QMS) policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Travel to supplier facilities as required to support audits, investigations, and development activities.
- Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, or related technical field (Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial Engineering preferred).
- 3–5 years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or quality engineering within aerospace or other regulated industries.
- Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA, and EASA regulations.
- Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance requirements.
- U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Experience conducting supplier audits and First Article Inspections (FAI).
- Proficiency with quality tools and methodologies including:
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- 8D Corrective Actions
- FMEA
- PPAP
- APQP
- SPC
- CAPA Systems
- Strong understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, engineering drawings, and manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
- Experience with Kaizen, PDSA, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to interpret technical documents, specifications, regulations, and mathematical data.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Aerospace manufacturing experience supporting flight-critical hardware.
- Experience supporting government or defense aerospace programs.
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or related certification preferred.
- Experience with supplier performance management and strategic supplier development.
SKILLS:
- Supplier Quality Management
- Aerospace Regulatory Compliance
- Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA)
- Audit Planning & Execution
- Statistical Analysis & SPC
- Continuous Improvement Leadership
- Technical Problem Solving
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Supplier Relationship Management
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Some travel required for this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
M-F 8am-5pm
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