Supplier Quality Engineer

Safran Group; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran in Irvine, CA seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer to lead supplier quality programs, drive improvements, and coordinate with design, operations, and supply chain to ensure high-quality products.

The role emphasizes nonconformance management, corrective actions, and risk assessment, with travel up to 50% domestically and internationally as needed. A BS in engineering and 10+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years' related experience in supplier quality.
• Six Sigma and Lean experience; ASQ certification ideal.
• ASQ CQE/CQA certification preferred.
• SAP experience preferred; knowledge of manufacturing/supply chain processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business units, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to manage and improve supplier performance.
• Manage processing of system, process and product nonconformances linked to suppliers until resolution.
• Identify and elevate risks related to product safety within supply chain.
• Issue Failure Analysis and root-cause/corrective action reports to suppliers.
• Promote supplier improvements and ensure implementation; act as SME for supplier knowledge.
• Assist suppliers in complex corrective actions in high-visibility cases; ensure zero repeats.

Skills

ASQ CQE

Root Cause Analysis

APQP/AS9145

AS9100/AS9110/AS9120 Auditing

Spreadsheet tools

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

SAP

Minitab

Excel

Job description

Supplier Quality Engineer

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

Reference number

2026-173530

Job details

Domain

Production

Job field / Job profile

Quality - Supplier quality assurance

Job title

Supplier Quality Engineer

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

Job Summary:

The Supplier Quality Engineer is a key technical leader responsible for working with suppliers, design engineering, operations, and supply chain to select qualified suppliers and enhance supplier performance, ensuring a positive impact on the quality of both new and existing products.

Essential Job Functions:

• Collaborate with business units, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to manage, monitor and improve supplier performance.
• Manage the processing of system, process and product nonconformances linked to suppliers until they are resolved in order to prevent customer impacts and avoid any production line stop
• Identify & elevate any risks or concerns in relation to product or peoples safety both internally and within the supply chain, using the company tools & processes.
• Issue Failure Analysis and Root Cause/Corrective Action reports to suppliers; follow up, review, and approve supplier inquiries and requests promptly, based on the severity of impact on customer or Safran manufacturing operations.
• Promote & identify areas for improvement among suppliers and ensure their implementation
• Subject Matter Expert in supplier product knowledge and able to influence supplier performance in a positive way.
• Effectively assist suppliers in complex root cause and corrective action responses in high intense high visibility cases that may have a negative impact on customer products Safran provides. Corrective actions are usually irreversible and result in zero repeat occurrences.
• Identify and carry out the necessary training among suppliers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• FAA Repair Station knowledge is a plus.
• Prior Supplier Quality and/or Supplier Development experience throughout the lifecycle of products.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) a plus.
• Possess experience in manufacturing or industrialization, knowledge of APQP (AS9145) a plus.
• Proficient in spreadsheet (report formatting, graphing, formula calculation generation), database, presentation and project management tools (i.e. Excel, Minitab, etc.).
• Ability to read and understand assembly drawings including GD&T, schematics, block diagrams and Engineering Change Notices for the purpose of specific inspection criteria and evaluation.
• Demonstrated auditing experience to AS9100, AS9110 AS9120 and Mil-Stds .
• Maintain general familiarity with aerospace manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Understanding of receiving inspection processes, including statistical sampling, component measurement techniques, specifications, drawings, and AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports.
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving, judgment, and decision-making skills, with comprehensive knowledge of Quality systems methods and practices (DOE, PFMEA, Control Plans, Lean Manufacturing concepts, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, etc.).

But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)

Travel Specificity:

Potential domestic and international travel between Irvine, California and other locations up to 50%. Passport required. Must be willing to travel to all continents sometimes at short notice.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position and occasionally move about the office and laboratory. Constantly operates and use a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copier/printer. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information. The ability to observe, identify and assess details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds across office for various needs.

Work Environment:

The work environment is in the office. Noise level in the office is typically quiet.

Candidate skills & requirements

Required Competencies:

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in the field of Engineering such as Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or equivalent discipline.

Experience:

• 10 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience.
• Experience within supplier quality discipline; Six Sigma and Lean methodology; a current certification from the American Society of Quality (ASQ) would be ideal.
• SAP experience preferred but not required.
• Must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, knowledge of traffic laws, and ability to navigate different routes.
• Experience with problem solving methodology such as A3 and 8D.
• Experience leading complex projects with remote team members.
• Knowledge of manufacturing structures, varied processes, operating practices, and operating budgets.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Leadership Skills / Management Skills / Personal Skills:

• Change agent
• Communication skills and active listening, ability to interact effectively with all levels of management, executive leadership of small to mid-size companies and the ability to build and maintain relationships with Safran suppliers and customers.
• Ability to manage and solve conflicts
• Ability to analyze and synthesize
• Customer Oriented
• Integrity
• Quality Control Analysis
• Time Management
• Critical Thinking

Annual salary

$111K-$135K

Job location

North America, United States, California

City (-ies)

1833 Alton Parkway CA 92606 Irvine

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 3 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes