Aerospace Supplier Development Lead

Loft Orbital Solutions; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Loft Orbital Solutions’ Orbitworks unit in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Supplier Development Manager to build local suppliers’ capability to manufacture flight hardware. The role blends manufacturing engineering, supplier quality and hands-on process development, with initial focus on machined components, wire harness assemblies and honeycomb panel rework.

The SDM will audit suppliers on site, closing process gaps and establishing repeatable qualification methods.

Qualifications

• Flight-hardware manufacturing experience with aerospace process control and traceability.
• Deep machining knowledge covering CNC, GD&T, tooling and inspection.
• Wire harness manufacturing expertise including crimp validation and pull testing.
• Proven supplier development experience with measurable improvements.
• Working knowledge of AS9100-based quality systems and APQP/PPAP practices.
• Experience leading root cause analysis with 8D or RCCA.
• Hands-on, independent worker with strong cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Assess supplier readiness through on-site audits and capability reviews.
• Improve travelers, work instructions, inspection plans and process controls.
• Validate machining capability including CNC, tooling, GD&T and first article inspection.
• Strengthen wire harness production with crimp validation, routing and quality checks.
• Oversee honeycomb panel rework with bonding validation and environmental controls.
• Lead AS9100-aligned practices and APQP/PPAP where applicable.
• Lead containment and corrective actions for supplier quality escapes.
• Develop supplier development roadmaps and performance dashboards.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain to resolve issues.

Skills

Flight hardware

Aerospace process control

CNC & GD&T

Wire harness expertise

Supplier development

8D / RCCA

Shop-floor hands-on

Job description

Loft Orbital Solutions’ Orbitworks unit in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Supplier Development Manager to build local suppliers’ capability to manufacture flight hardware. The role blends manufacturing engineering, supplier quality and hands-on process development, with initial focus on machined components, wire harness assemblies and honeycomb panel rework.

The SDM will audit suppliers on site, closing process gaps and establishing repeatable qualification methods.