Supplier Development Engineer II - Composites

Platform Aerospace; Hollywood (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Platform Aerospace in Hollywood, MD, seeks an Supplier Development Engineer II - Composites to improve supplier performance across the composite supply base supporting aerospace/UAV production.

You will lead supplier assessments, drive issue resolution, and ensure suppliers meet quality, delivery, and scalability requirements for composite structures and components.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 2+ years in supplier development or related aerospace environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US security clearance.
• Experience leading supplier recovery and cross-functional resolution.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, risk management.
• Ability to interpret complex technical requirements and production constraints.
• Experience using data and KPIs to drive supplier accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and performance improvement of key composite suppliers.
• Assess supplier capability in layup, curing, bonding, machining, and finishing.
• Drive resolution of high-impact quality and delivery issues; execute recovery plans.
• Lead root cause analysis for defects and ensure corrective actions.
• Conduct supplier audits and process reviews, including NADCAP where applicable.
• Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers for cost-effective procurement.
• Provide hands-on technical guidance to improve yield and throughput.
• Support supplier readiness for NPI, including qualification, FAI, and ramp to rate.
• Partner with engineering, quality, and supply chain to manage risk.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement focused improvements.
• Serve as escalation point for critical supplier issues.
• Mentor junior team members and support cross-functional execution.
• Prepare updates on supplier risk and performance for leadership.

Skills

Supplier development

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven improvement

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Equivalent experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB TITLE:SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II - COMPOSITES

DEPARTMENT:SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

REPORTS TO:CHIEF PRODUCTION OFFICER

CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT

CLEARANCE: SECRET

LOCATION: HOLLYWOOD, MD

Job Summary:

The Supplier Development Engineer II - Composites is an individual contributor responsible for improving performance and capability across the composite supply base supporting aerospace/UAV production. This role leads supplier assessments, drives resolution of critical issues, and ensures suppliers can meet quality, delivery, and scalability requirements for composite structures and components.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead development and performance improvement of key composite suppliers supporting UAV/aerospace production.
• Assess supplier capability in composite manufacturing processes (layup, curing, bonding, machining, finishing) and capacity to meet production demand.
• Drive resolution of high-impact quality and delivery issues, including execution of recovery plans.
• Lead root cause analysis for composite defects (e.g., porosity, delamination, cure variation) and ensure effective corrective actions.
• Conduct supplier audits and process reviews, including special processes and quality system compliance (e.g., NADCAP where applicable).
• Participates in negotiating terms and pricing with suppliers for purchase orders to ensure cost-effective andtimelyprocurement.
• Providehands-on technical guidance to improve yield, throughput, and process control.
• Support supplier readiness for new product introduction (NPI), including qualification, FAI, and ramp to rate.
• Partner with engineering, quality, and supply chain to manage risk, qualify new sources, and support make/buy decisions.
• Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost) and implement focused improvement actions.
• Serve asescalationpoint for critical supplier issuesimpactingproduction or program milestones.
• Mentor junior team members and support cross-functional execution.
• Prepare concise updates on supplier risk, performance, and recovery status for leadership.
• Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, industrial technology, ora relatedfield preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 2+ years of progressive experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, operations, or supply chain in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required)
• Demonstrated experience leading supplier recovery, supplier improvement, and cross-functional resolution of complex supply chain issues.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, process validation, and supplier risk management.
• Ability to interpret complex technical requirements, specifications, and production constraints.
• Experience using data and KPIs to drive supplier accountability and performance improvement.
• Strong project leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement and root cause methodologies.
• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to travel regularly to supplier locations, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office; ERP/MRP experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able tolift upto 50 pounds at times, more with assistance.
• Work environment consists of various office and manufacturing settings with may have exposure to noise, varying temperatures, smells, and chemicals.
• Ability to traverse manufacturing facility.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $95,000. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate's qualifications and work location, where applicable.