Senior Supplier Quality Engineer – Space Systems (Hybrid, 50% Travel)

Leonardo DRS; Cypress (CA); Hybrid; 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

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.