Supplier Development Engineer

Third Party International Inc.; California (MO); On-site; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Third Party International seeks a hands-on Supplier Development Engineer to support aerospace manufacturing clients by improving supplier performance, qualification, and continuous improvement. You will work directly with suppliers to raise quality, delivery, and process capability.

As the technical interface among clients and suppliers, you will assess capabilities, lead improvement plans, support source qualification, and manage corrective actions using structured problem-solving methods on

Qualifications

• Five or more years of supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or related experience.
• Direct experience with either high precision machined parts or printed circuit board manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and apply GD&T where applicable.
• Experience with first article packages, inspection plans, and supplier documentation control.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with suppliers on site.
• Ability to travel up to 25 percent.

Responsibilities

• Qualify new suppliers including capability assessments, process reviews, and readiness planning.
• Lead supplier development activities to improve on time delivery, reduce escapes, and strengthen process control.
• Drive corrective actions using structured methods such as 8D, 5 Why, and root cause analysis.
• Support APQP, PPAP, FAI, control plans, and inspection planning as applicable to the commodity.
• Review drawings and specifications and ensure technical and quality requirements are correctly flowed down and understood.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and lead recurring performance reviews and recovery plans.
• Partner with internal teams across supply chain, engineering, and quality to align supplier actions to program needs.
• Support audits and supplier surveillance activities as required.

Skills

Supplier development

Quality engineering

Manufacturing engineering

GD&T reading

Communication with suppliers

Travel ready

Tools

APQP

PPAP

8D problem solving

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Supplier Development Engineer, Aerospace Manufacturing
Location: Ventura County, CA
Rate: $60-70/hr
Company: Third Party International
Engagement: Full Time, Contract to hire or direct hire
Travel: Up to 25 percent

Third Party International is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer to support aerospace manufacturing clients with supplier performance, qualification, and continuous improvement. This role is ideal for a hands on engineer with experience in high precision machined parts or printed circuit board manufacturing who can work directly with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, and process capability.

About the Role

You will serve as the technical interface between the client and key suppliers. You will assess supplier capabilities, lead improvement plans, support qualification of new sources, and drive corrective actions tied to quality and delivery issues. Work includes on site supplier engagement, data driven problem solving, and coordination with internal engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Qualify new suppliers including capability assessments, process reviews, and readiness planning
• Lead supplier development activities to improve on time delivery, reduce escapes, and strengthen process control
• Drive corrective actions using structured methods such as 8D, 5 Why, and root cause analysis
• Support APQP, PPAP, FAI, control plans, and inspection planning as applicable to the commodity
• Review drawings and specifications and ensure technical and quality requirements are correctly flowed down and understood
• Monitor supplier performance metrics and lead recurring performance reviews and recovery plans
• Partner with internal teams across supply chain, engineering, and quality to align supplier actions to program needs
• Support audits and supplier surveillance activities as required

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or related experience
• Direct experience with either high precision machined parts or printed circuit board manufacturing
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and process controls
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and apply GD and T where applicable
• Experience with first article packages, inspection plans, and supplier documentation control
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with suppliers on site
• Ability to travel up to 25 percent

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environments and familiarity with AS9100 expectations
• Experience with special processes, critical characteristics, and traceability requirements
• Six Sigma or lean tools experience
• Background supporting supplier transfers, resourcing, or capacity expansion

About Third Party International

Third Party International thirdparty.biz provides engineering, quality, and supply chain professionals to aerospace and defense manufacturers across the United States. We deploy experienced consultants to stabilize supplier performance, support new source qualification, and improve execution across the supply base.