Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (QIP)

Elbit America, Inc.; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 schedule

401(k) program

Health, dental, vision coverage

Life Insurance

Paid PTO

Job summary

Twenty-Six Defense is seeking a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer to lead supplier quality initiatives and drive continuous improvement across the supplier base. You will guide QIPs, root cause analysis, and corrective actions while partnering with engineering and program management to meet aerospace quality standards.

The role requires deep AS9100/ISO9001 knowledge, experience with special processes, and the ability to coach suppliers onsite and remotely.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality or related roles in aerospace/regulated industries.
• Strong expertise in supplier development and corrective action methodologies.
• Deep understanding of AS9100, ISO9001 and aerospace quality requirements (AS9102, AS9145).
• Experience with special processes, precision machining, electronics, or complex assembly suppliers preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Supplier Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) to address systemic gaps and drive sustained improvement.
• Provide on-site and virtual supplier coaching on process capability and corrective action effectiveness.
• Analyze supplier performance data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate 8D, DMAIC, PFMEA and root cause analysis for issue resolution.
• Evaluate and approve supplier corrective actions; ensure containment and preventive actions.
• Partner with suppliers to strengthen QMS aligned with AS9100, NADCAP, and requirements.
• Support new supplier onboarding, audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations.
• Collaborate with Engineering on technical reviews and specification compliance.
• Drive COPQ reduction and improve metrics like PPM, OTD, and escapes.
• Support MRB activities related to supplier issues and timely resolution.
• Promote lean and data-driven continuous improvement internally and externally.
• Mentor junior SQEs and contribute to process optimization.

Skills

GD&T interpretation

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

8D problem solving

DMAIC

PFMEA

Job description

Summary of Responsibilities

The Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (Sr. SQE) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, capability, and continual improvement of the company's supplier base. This position is responsible for leading Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) with key suppliers, driving root cause and corrective action activities, strengthening supplier processes, and ensuring compliance with the company and regulatory requirements. The Sr. SQE will partner closely with Supply Chain, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to improve supplier performance and build long-term quality maturity.

• Lead development, execution, and monitoring of Supplier Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) to address systemic performance gaps and drive sustained improvement.
• Provide on-site and virtual supplier coaching focused on process capability, manufacturing controls, defect reduction, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Analyze supplier performance data to identify trends, risks, and priority improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving activities using methods such as 8D, DMAIC, PFMEA, and root cause analysis.
• Evaluate and approve supplier corrective actions, ensuring containment and long-term preventive actions are effective.
• Partner with suppliers to strengthen quality management systems aligned with AS9100, NADCAP, and company contractual requirements.
• Support new supplier onboarding, process audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations.
• Collaborate with Engineering on technical reviews, drawing interpretation, special process controls, and specification compliance.
• Drive reduction in cost of poor quality (COPQ) and improve key metrics including PPM, OTD, and escape reduction.
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities related to supplier issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives internally and externally, promoting lean and data-driven quality methods.
• Act as a technical mentor to junior Supplier Quality Engineers and contribute to process optimization within the Supplier Quality organization.

Knowledge (Education/License/Certification, Prior Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality roles within aerospace, defense, or highly regulated industries.
• Strong expertise in supplier development, corrective action methodologies, and Quality Improvement Plans.
• Deep understanding of AS9100, ISO9001, and aerospace industry quality requirements such as AS9102, AS9145, etc.
• Experience with special processes, precision machining, electronics, or complex assembly suppliers strongly preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Proven ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong analytical skills; ability to use data to drive decision making.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills when working with internal teams and suppliers.

Travel/Physical Requirements

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required (20 - 30% max).

Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer:

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.