Supplier Quality Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Plans

Paid Time Off

401(k) with company match

Casual dress code

Job summary

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc is looking for a Supplier Quality Engineer in San Luis Obispo, California. This role ensures external suppliers meet aerospace quality standards, leading approval activities and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least 3 years of experience in supplier quality engineering.

Along with a collaborative work environment, the position offers robust benefits including health plans, retirement savings options, and paid time off. A passion for quality and strong analytical skills are crucial for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing engineering.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the supplier approval and qualification process.
• Collaborate with suppliers for corrective action plans.
• Provide guidance on AS9100 and AS9102 requirements.

Skills

AS9100 knowledge

Statistical Process Control

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Summary:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) plays a critical role in ensuring that external suppliers meet the company’s stringent aerospace quality standards and delivery requirements. This position is responsible for leading supplier qualification and approval activities, monitoring ongoing performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. The SQE partners closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders—including Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Supply Chain—to maintain compliance with aerospace standards and support the production of high-reliability components and assemblies.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead the supplier approval and qualification process, assessing manufacturing capabilities, special processes, and adherence to aerospace quality requirements.
• Evaluate and analyze supplier quality data to identify trends, mitigate risk, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop and execute corrective action plans, ensuring timely resolution of quality issues and root cause elimination.
• Provide guidance and training to suppliers on quality tools, AS9100 and AS9102 requirements, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to resolve quality issues, support design changes, and improve manufacturability.
• Create, issue, and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs); track completion and verify effectiveness.
• Collect, maintain, and report supplier performance metrics, including quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Support supplier audits, source inspections, and first-article review activities as needed.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects and improving supplier capability and consistency.
• Participate in special projects and quality system improvements as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Duties

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in supplier quality or manufacturing engineering within the aerospace or precision manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation and review.
• Familiarity with special processes (e.g., heat treat, coatings, NDT, welding) and related aerospace quality requirements.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis, corrective action development, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Solid understanding of fabrication-based quality control methods and dimensional inspection techniques.
• Skilled in data analysis, supplier performance tracking, and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal and external teams.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-pace environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites for audits, evaluations, and development activities.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans—including a 100% employer-paid option covering employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, plus optional coverage for employees and families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays.
• Work Environment: Casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Location: Work in an area with excellent quality of life.

Pay Range

Pay Range: $100,000-135,000 Salary Exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer. E-Verify participation required for employment. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States. Must be able to pass background check.