Supplier Engineer / Firehawk Aerospace

Plainsvc; Addison (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Dental and Vision Plans

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flexible Work Schedule

On-Site Perks

Professional Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Firehawk Aerospace is seeking a Supplier Engineer to manage external supplier activities from development through production. You will drive supplier qualification, quality improvements, and conformance to AS9100 and customer requirements.

The role requires collaboration with Engineering and Supply Chain and may involve travel to supplier sites. Ideal candidates have 5+ years in aerospace/defense, strong GD&T knowledge, and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and military specifications.
• Experience with structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Strong written and verbal communication with suppliers and customers.

Responsibilities

• Serve as focal point for supplier quality, development, manufacturing, and sustainment.
• Lead supplier hardware and process development and qualification activities.
• Manage supplier performance and compliance per AS9100 QMS and DoD requirements.
• Address supplier risks and drive corrective actions and process capability gaps.
• Review and approve FAI reports, deviation requests, and nonconformances.
• Support supplier audits, assessments, and surveillance with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Problem solving

Written & verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

GD&T knowledge

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

AS9100 / ISO 9001 knowledge

Job description

Location: Addison, TX

Job Summary

As a Supplier Engineer at Firehawk Aerospace, you will be responsible for managing activities at external suppliers from establishing product and process development through production. Collaborating closely with Engineering and Supply Chain, you will drive the vetting and qualification of Firehawk’s supply base to ensure product conformity, identify and resolve product and process issues, and promote continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, a strong understanding of engineering and supplier quality principles, and a commitment to optimizing supplier performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the focal point for supplier quality, development, manufacturing, and sustainment
• Lead supplier hardware and process development and qualification activities
• Manage supplier performance and compliance in accordance with Firehawk’s AS9100 certified QMS as well as DoD and customer specific flow-down requirements and regulatory standards
• Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering to address supplier risks, performance issues, and process capability gaps
• Analyze supplier metrics and performance trends to drive continuous improvement within the supply base to improve quality, delivery, and compliance
• Review and approve FAI reports, deviation requests, and nonconformance dispositions
• Support quality planning activities including receiving inspection planning, supplier control plans, risk assessments, and quality clauses flow-down
• Support supplier’s manufacturing and production readiness reviews, identifying risks and driving corrective actions
• Investigate supplier escapes and ensure thorough root cause analysis is performed with effective corrective and preventative actions
• Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and surveillance activities
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and internal QMS procedures
• Support development and maintenance of quality documentation and work instructions
• Provide technical guidance to junior quality engineers and cross-functional team members

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing
• Proven ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in a supplier quality role
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T
• Experience with AS9100 / ISO 9001 and aerospace and defense customer requirements
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, industry and military specifications, and contractual requirements
• Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g. 8D, 5-Why)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including customer and supplier interaction
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Work Requirements: Combination of office and manufacturing floor with periodic travel for supplier visits

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading hardware and process qualification activities within the defense industry
• Familiarity with R&D manufacturing in the aerospace and defense industry
• Experience with raw materials and polymer processing
• Demonstrated experience in program quality roles
• Experience supporting internal, customer, and third-party audits
• Experience with MRB participation and authority
• Experience with AS9102 and AS9103
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and risk-based quality tools

ITAR Requirements

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.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit and to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require minimal walking, standing for extended amounts of time, climbing, crouching, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat. These positions may be expected to work varying shifts and hours to ensure successful operation of activities in the organization.

Security Clearance

May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: We offer 100% employer‑paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% coverage for dependents under select plans, with additional options for PPO and HDHP plans. Coverage begins the first of the month following your hire date.
• Dental and Vision Plans: Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage options, including preventive care, orthodontics, and allowances for contacts and frames.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free, confidential services, including counseling, legal consultations, wellness coaching, and virtual concierge services to support your work‑life balance.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Enjoy a 9/80 schedule option, allowing for greater flexibility and work‑life balance.
• On‑Site Perks: Complimentary snacks and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day.
• Professional Growth: Mentorship opportunities with industry‑leading engineers and engagement in cutting‑edge projects at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firehawk Aerospace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.