Supplier Development Engineer

True Anomaly; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

True Anomaly seeks a Supplier Development Engineer to build and sustain a world-class supplier base for flight hardware. reporting to Manager of Supplier Development, you will qualify and continuously improve suppliers across Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, Avionics, PCBA and Harnessing.

You will lead audits, implement supplier quality programs, and drive lean initiatives while collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field.
• 4–7 years in supplier development or related manufacturing/quality roles.
• Lean implementations with measurable results at supplier sites.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, GD&T, and specs.
• Experience with audits, capability/risk assessments, 8D/CAPA/SCAR.
• Experience building supplier quality programs and scorecards.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR/EAR aerospace frameworks.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and data-driven performance tools.
• ERP/MRP experience; willingness to travel 30–50%.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier qualification across Propulsion, Structures, Power, Avionics, PCBA and Harnessing.
• Execute audits, capability/risk assessments, and first article inspections (FAI).
• Develop and implement supplier quality scorecards and flow‑downs.
• Conduct supplier site audits for AS9100/ITAR readiness.
• Lead lean initiatives (value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen) at supplier sites.
• Drive RCCA for supplier quality escapes and non‑conformances.
• Identify supply risks; develop dual‑source strategies.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and PM teams.
• Contribute to process/tools documentation for supplier development.
• Travel to supplier sites as needed (30–50%).

Skills

Lean methodologies

Supplier audits

GD&T

Quality programs

SPC/MSA

ERP/MRP

Cross-functional

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

MS Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

As a Supplier Development Engineer at True Anomaly, you will play a vital role in building and sustaining a world-class supplier base capable of delivering flight-quality hardware to orbit Reporting to theManager of Supplier Development, you will support the identification, qualification, and continuous improvement of suppliers across key technical domains, ensuring they meet True Anomaly’s rigorous standards for quality, cost, and schedule This role is ideal for a technically minded engineer who thrives at the intersection of engineering and supply chain — someone who can bridge the gap between our internal engineering teams and our supplier network, and who is passionate about driving lean principles and scalable, resilient processes from the ground up

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead supplier development lifecycle — qualification, performance management, and continuous improvement — across Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, Avionics, PCBAand Harnessing
• Execute supplier qualification processes including technical audits, capability assessments, risk assessments, and first article inspections (FAI)
• Develop and implement supplier quality programs including scorecards (tracking FPY, RTV, OTD), quality clauses, and flow-down requirements for purchase orders
• Conduct process, system, and product audits at supplier sites to verify AS9100/ITAR compliance and readiness for flight hardware production
• Lead lean implementation initiatives at supplier sites including value stream mapping, waste reduction, 5S, and kaizen events to improve quality and delivery performance
• Drive resolution of supplier quality escapes and technical non-conformances through root cause and corrective action (RCCA)
• Identifyand mitigate supply chain risks including single-source dependencies, long lead items, and regulatory exposure; develop dual-source strategies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management to ensure supplier readiness aligns with program milestones
• Contribute to development and continuous improvement of supplier development processes, tools, and documentation
• Travel to supplier sites as needed (estimated 30–50%)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Manufacturing,Industrial Engineeringrelevant work experience or a related technical discipline
• 4–7 years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain engineering in Aerospace/Defense/Medical/Automotive
• Hands‑on experience implementing lean methodologies at supplier or manufacturing sites with measurable results
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
• Experience conducting supplier audits, capability/risk assessments, qualification programs, and corrective action processes (8D, CAPA, SCAR)
• Experience developing supplier quality programs including scorecards, quality clauses, and performance management systems
• Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR/EAR, and aerospace quality frameworks
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Suite (Excel) and data‑driven supplier performance tools
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites (30–50%)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Space‑technology supply chain or flight hardware development experience
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Lean Practitioner) or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes (additive manufacturing, precision machining, composite fabrication, PCBA,Harnessing)
• Technical fluency in Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, Avionics, or PCBA/Electronics Manufacturing
• Experience in high‑growth startup orNew Spaceenvironment
• Background in supply chain risk management, business continuity planning, or dual‑sourcing strategies
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC), capability studies (Cpk), and measurement system analysis (MSA)

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary: $105,000-$160,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location —Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person’s working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.