Supplier Quality Manager

Protingent; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Protingent is seeking a seasoned Supplier Quality Manager to lead the supplier quality strategy for the Burbank, CA area, directing a team of SQEs and ensuring conformance of all materials and services to internal, customer, and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will drive APQP/PPAP, AS9145 deployment, and robust root-cause investigations, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve quality performance across Landing & Cabin Systems programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• 5+ years in aerospace supplier quality or manufacturing quality.
• 3+ years direct leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of APQP/PPAP (AS9145) and related tools.
• Solid understanding of QMS and AS9100/AS9145 standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of supplier quality operations; lead, mentor, and develop a team of SQEs; drive APQP and new product introductions.
• Oversee supplier non-conformance management (NCRs, SRRs) and MC/SCAR responses.
• Enforce robust root-cause analysis standards and sustainable corrective actions.
• Deploy AS9145 and APQP methodologies to drive zero-defect culture.
• Align Receiving Inspection criteria with proper disposition validations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement preventive process controls and PFMEAs.
• Lead supplier risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Drive supplier development, audits, and PPAP alignment.
• Maintain proficiency in AS9100, AS9145, and enterprise QMS tools (Oracle).

Skills

Leadership

APQP/PPAP

Root cause analysis

QMS

AS9100/AS9145

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AS9145

QMS

SPC

Job description

Position Title

Supplier Quality Manager

Position Description

Protingent has an exciting direct hire opportunity with our client in Burbank, CA for a Supplier Quality Manager to work onsite in Burbank, CA.

Job Description

Our client is seeking a seasoned Supplier Quality Manager to lead and execute the organization's supplier quality strategy, ensuring all purchased materials, components, and services conform to internal, customer, and regulatory requirements. In this role, you will manage the overall quality and compliance performance of the Burbank supply base, drive continuous improvement, and lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) in executing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), risk mitigation, and root-cause-based quality improvements across Landing & Cabin Systems programs.

Job Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Leadership: Provide strategic oversight of supplier quality operations; lead, mentor, and develop a team of Supplier Quality Engineers; drive APQP and new product introductions.
• Non-Conformance & SCAR Management: Oversee supplier non-conformance management (NCRs and SRRs), authorize MRB dispositions, and ensure complete investigations and responses to customer complaints (SCARs).
• Root Cause & Corrective Actions: Enforce robust root-cause analysis standards and sustainable corrective actions to prevent recurrence of systemic quality issues.
• APQP & AS9145 Deployment: Drive a zero-defect culture by deploying and continuously improving AS9145 and APQP methodologies across the supply base.
• Inspection Oversight: Align Supplier Quality with Receiving Inspection, ensuring current inspection criteria, proper disposition validations, and optimized incoming verification.
• Process Control & Continuous Improvement: Partner with cross-functional teams to implement preventive process controls, align control plans with PFMEAs and process flows, and champion a prevention-focused culture.
• Supplier Risk Management: Lead annual and ongoing supplier risk assessments covering performance, capability, capacity, and compliance, establishing targeted mitigation plans.
• Supplier Development & Audits: Drive supplier performance via KPIs, scorecards, audits, and strategic reviews; align suppliers to APQP/PPAP (AS9145) standards.
• Team Technical Development: Ensure the SQE team maintains proficiency in AS9100, AS9145, root cause analysis methods, SPC, risk tools, and enterprise QMS tools (Oracle).

Job Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering preferred; Electrical, Materials Science, or Chemical also accepted).
• Experience: 5+ years of relevant supplier quality or manufacturing quality experience in aerospace, defense, space electronics, or high-reliability industries.
• Leadership Experience: 3+ years of direct leadership or people management experience managing engineering or quality teams.
• Core Methodologies: Demonstrated understanding of APQP/PPAP (AS9145) tools—including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, Process Capability, and SPC.
• Standards & Systems: Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), AS9100/AS9145, and process control methodologies.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Precision GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) knowledge for machining and grinding.
• Experience with NADCAP special process requirements.
• AS9100 Auditor experience or ASQ Certifications (CQM, CQE).
• Lean and Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Proven track record leading successful supplier improvement or development initiatives.

Job Details

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Location: Burbank, CA
• Salary Range: $145K-$175K.

An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check.

ITAR obligations are associated with this role, U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a) (1), (3) is required.

About Protingent

Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.