Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Leonardo DRS; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo DRS in Cypress, CA, is seeking a seasoned Supplier Quality Engineer to lead supplier quality activities, perform audits, and drive corrective actions for aerospace-critical components. The role requires knowledge of AS9100/FAI, data-driven quality management, and collaboration with procurement and engineering. Travel up to 50% is expected.

The position offers a hybrid schedule at the Cypress location, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and related aerospace quality standards.
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• Experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
• Proficiency with quality data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to management and suppliers.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by contract.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality management activities for assigned commodities/suppliers, including qualification, surveillance, and performance monitoring.
• Conduct on-site supplier audits and assessments against AS9100, customer flow-downs, and applicable regulatory/contractual requirements.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA/8D) for supplier-related nonconformances, rejections, and escalations, including delays impacting OTD.
• Analyze supplier reject and transaction data to identify trends, top detractors, and systemic issues; present findings in management-ready summaries.
• Own and disposition Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), tracking to closure and verifying effectiveness.
• Support new supplier qualification, including First Article Inspection (FAI/AS9102), PPAP-equivalent submissions, and process capability studies.
• Partner with Procurement and Engineering to evaluate supplier certifications against program requirements and assess risk/gaps.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, quality metrics, and dashboards (Power BI or similar) to support management review.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Mentor junior quality engineers and contribute to supplier quality process improvements and training.
• Travel to supplier sites as needed for audits, containment activities, and qualification events up to 50%.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Audits & assessments

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field

Tools

Power BI

Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Location: Cypress, CA, US, 90630

Job ID: 115219

DRS Space Systems in Cypress, CA develops advanced space mission payloads, leveraging cutting edge electro-optical and infrared space sensors, instruments, and software for key domestic and international allied customers. As part of DRS’s Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business,we offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance

Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

Business Unit: EOIS
Location: Cypress CA
Career Functional Area: Quality Engineering
Telework Type: Hybrid at the Cypress CA location
Relocation Available: Yes
Type: Exempt Full Time Employee
Schedule: 9/80
Shift: 1st

Job Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality management activities for assigned commodities/suppliers, including qualification, surveillance, and performance monitoring.
• Conduct on-site supplier audits and assessments against AS9100, customer flow-downs, and applicable regulatory/contractual requirements.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA/8D) for supplier-related nonconformances, rejections, and escalations, including delays impacting OTD.
• Analyze supplier reject and transaction data (e.g., RI rejects, WIP transactions) to identify trends, top detractors, and systemic issues; present findings in clear, management-ready summaries.
• Own and disposition Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), tracking to closure and verifying effectiveness.
• Support new supplier qualification, including First Article Inspection (FAI/AS9102), PPAP-equivalent submissions, and process capability studies.
• Partner with Procurement and Engineering to evaluate supplier certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 13485, NADCAP) against program requirements and assess risk/gaps.
• Develop and maintain supplier scorecards, quality metrics, and dashboards (Power BI or similar) to support management review.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of nonconforming material.
• Mentor junior quality engineers and contribute to supplier quality process improvements and training.
• Travel to supplier sites as needed for audits, containment activities, and qualification events up to 50%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of experience in supplier quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and related aerospace quality standards.
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• Experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
• Proficiency with quality data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to management and suppliers.
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by contract.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ certification (CQE, CSSBB, or CQA).
• Experience with NADCAP-accredited processes (welding, NDT, heat treat, etc.).
• Familiarity with J-STD-001 Space Addendum
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and Power BI-based supplier scorecarding.
• Prior experience managing a supplier base in electronics, machined parts, or castings/forgings.
• U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $101,098/year- $144,570/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours. Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• Integrity
• Agility
• Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Community & Respect
• Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.