Supplier Quality Engineer

Safran companies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran companies is looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer based in Irvine, California. This role is a key technical leader working with suppliers to enhance performance and ensure quality in product development.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in supplier quality, a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, and will be proficient in tools like Excel and Minitab. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to solve complex problems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in the field of engineering.
• 10 or more years of related work experience.
• ASQ certification is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to manage supplier performance.
• Manage nonconformances linked to suppliers.
• Identify risks related to product safety.

Skills

FAA Repair Station knowledge

Supplier quality and/or supplier development experience

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Manufacturing experience

Proficiency with Excel, Minitab

Reading and understanding assembly drawings

Auditing experience to AS9100

Knowledge of receiving inspection processes

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering

Tools

SAP

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 to prevent customer impacts and avoid any production line stop.
• Identify and elevate any risks or concerns related to product or people safety both internally and within the supply chain, using company tools and 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 corporate manufacturing operations.
• Promote and identify areas for improvement among suppliers and ensure their implementation.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert in supplier product knowledge and influence supplier performance positively.
• Assist suppliers in complex root‑cause and corrective action responses in high‑intensity, high‑visibility cases that may negatively impact customer products; corrective actions are usually irreversible and result in zero repeat occurrences.
• Identify and carry out the necessary training among suppliers.
• Perform other duties as 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) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) a plus.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrialization, knowledge of APQP (AS9145) a plus.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet, database, presentation, and project management tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab).
• Ability to read and understand assembly drawings including GD&T, schematics, block diagrams, and engineering change notices for specific inspection criteria and evaluation.
• Demonstrated auditing experience to AS9100, AS9110, AS9120, and Mil‑Stds.
• 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).

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 of 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, 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, Management, and Personal Skills

• Change agent.
• Strong communication skills and active listening, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and executive leadership of small to mid‑size companies.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers and customers.
• Conflict resolution capability.
• Analytical and synthesis skills.
• Customer oriented.
• Integrity.
• Quality control analysis.
• Time management.
• Critical thinking.