Supplier Quality Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in Poway, CA seeks an experienced Supplier Quality Auditor to lead NADCAP and AS9100/IA9100 audits across a diverse supplier base. You will plan, conduct, and document supplier quality assessments, drive CAPA, and ensure flow-down of requirements to vendors.

The role requires strong knowledge of GD&T, AS9102, 8D/5-Why, SAP, and the ability to work with Engineering and Procurement to maintain program schedules and costs. Travel required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering; 6+ years with bachelor or 4+ with master
• Experience NADCAP and AS9100/IA9100 audits
• Experience planning supplier audits and driving CAPA to closure
• Knowledge of AS9102 first article inspection and statistics
• Ability to read GD&T and engineering drawings
• ERP SAP knowledge
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
• Ability to obtain DoD security clearance

Responsibilities

• Perform NADCAP audits for special processes across the supply base
• Lead supplier audit readiness and AS9100/IA9100 compliance activities
• Plan and document supplier quality audits; issue findings and drive CAPA
• Qualify and approve new suppliers; maintain ASL and supplier scope
• Interpret engineering drawings and requirements; verify supplier compliance
• Monitor supplier performance using quality metrics and drive improvements
• Support internal AS9100 quality management system and audits
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing to resolve issues
• Verify flow-down of quality, DPAS, ITAR, counterfeit prevention
• Recommend design/process changes to improve producibility
• Develop methods for inspection and testing; document results
• Audit internal/supplier quality systems and drive corrective actions
• Lead solutions to complex quality problems; present to stakeholders
• Prepare quality reports, analyses, and technical documents
• Deliver technical presentations and provide guidance to staff
• Observe laws/regulations; work safely and extended hours as needed
• Travel as required; SAP knowledge beneficial
• Obtain and maintain DoD clearance as required

Skills

NADCAP audits

AS9100/IA9100

Supplier audits

Root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why)

GD&T interpretation

Engineering drawings interpretation

SAP ERP

Leadership

Travel

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in engineering or related field

Tools

eAuditNet

Audit management systems

Job description

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Develops, modifies, documents, and directs the implementation and evaluation of quality assurance programs and systems on one or more mid-size to large projects. Provides expertise and guidance in interpreting quality standards and government regulations. Collaborates with engineering and manufacturing to ensure quality standards are in place. Works on moderately complex and diverse problems where analysis of situations or data requires in-depth evaluation of various factors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform technical NADCAP audits for special processes across the supply base, including welding, additive manufacturing, and composites, as applicable.
• Lead supplier audit readiness and compliance activities for AS9100/A IA9100, including on-site and remote audits, process reviews, and surveillance.
• Plan, conduct, and document supplier quality audits (e.g., AS9100/IA9100, product, process audits); issue findings and drive root cause and corrective action to verified closure thru supplier corrective action requests (SCARS).
• Qualify and approve new suppliers and special process sources; maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and manage supplier scope, risk classification, and periodic re-evaluation.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, industry standards (AMS, ASTM, MIL-SPEC), and customer flow-down requirements; verify supplier compliance to these requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance using quality metrics (e.g., PPM, on-time delivery, escape rate) and lead performance improvement initiatives with underperforming suppliers.
• Support the internal AS9100 quality management system, including audit readiness, document control alignment, and coordination with certification bodies during recertification and surveillance audits.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Program Quality to resolve supplier quality issues and mitigate risk to program schedule and cost.
• Verify appropriate flow-down of quality, DPAS, ITAR, counterfeit parts prevention, and configuration management requirements to suppliers, as applicable.
• Recommend design and manufacturing process changes to improve product quality, enhance producibility, and reduce cost.
• Develop and improve methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment.
• Participate in functional testing and/or inspection of equipment and systems, as required, to validate supplier and internal quality performance.
• Audit internal and supplier quality systems to identify deficiencies, ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations, and verify implementation of corrective actions.
• Lead and implement solutions to complex quality problems occurring internally and at vendor facilities, using structured root cause and corrective action methodologies.
• Prepare quality-related reports, statistical analyses, specifications, and other technical documents in support of company and program objectives.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide project direction and technical guidance to other staff members to ensure quality objectives, costs, and schedules are achieved.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or related discipline and six or more years of related experience with a bachelor's degree or four or more years with a master's degree. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of NADCAP accreditation requirements and special process controls (additive manufacturing, welding, or similar).
• Proven expertise in AS9100 audit compliance and readiness, including experience preparing for or supporting recertification and surveillance audits.
• Experience planning and conducting supplier audits, writing findings, and driving corrective action to verified closure.
• Working knowledge of AS9102 first article inspection, root cause tools (8D, 5-Why, fishbone), and statistical methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and industry and military specifications.
• Must have a detailed understanding of inspection methods and strong knowledge of quality concepts, techniques, and methods in the relevant field of specialization.
• Must have the analytical ability required to develop creative solutions to complex quality issues and the skills required to present those solutions to internal and external contacts.
• Must be detail-oriented to accurately prepare statistical reports and technical documents in support of company objectives.
• Must have strong leadership skills to direct staff members and ensure project costs and schedules are maintained while representing the organization on technical quality assurance issues.
• Able to deliver effective technical presentations and work extended hours as required.
• ERP (SAP) knowledge.
• Domestic and International Travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Lead Auditor for AS9100 or ISO 9001, or equivalent audit certification.
• ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, or CMQ/OE).
• Direct experience with NADCAP audits from the supplier or prime perspective, including familiarity with the eAuditNet system and applicable Audit Criteria (AC) checklists.