Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)

About the Role Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) responsible for ensuring the quality of products and processes at supplier sites, managing supplier qualifications, development, and ongoing performance. This role requires significant travel to supplier facilities to conduct audits, resolve quality issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. The position supports all aspects of supplier quality, including quality characteristic control, APQP, inspection and testing, MSA, corrective actions, and related activities. Position based in Mojave, CA; hybrid arrangement may be considered for highly qualified Southern California candidates. What You'll Do

• Work closely with Supplier Management to drive strategic sourcing needs, decisions, and priorities.
• Collaborate with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Mission Operations teams to meet program goals.
• Participate in the quality planning and design and development processes by providing input and representing the quality function while liaising with key suppliers.
• Recommend investments and resources required to improve manufacturing and assembly quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with Stratolaunch requirements, aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100), and supplier approval processes (qualification, re-qualification, ongoing surveillance).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities for supplier nonconformances, including supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), containment, root cause, corrective/preventive actions, verification of effectiveness, and timely closure.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement process improvements and preventive actions.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams regarding quality requirements and expectations.
• Ensure suppliers maintain proper documentation and records for quality assurance, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate and/or perform supplier source inspection activities as required (e.g., at supplier site or at receiving), including alignment on sampling/inspection plans and disposition of findings.
• Review and approve supplier quality plans, inspection procedures, and first article inspection (FAI) reports.
• Travel to supplier sites to monitor performance and resolve quality issues.
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments. What We're Looking For
• Knowledge and experience in quality management system requirements (ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949).
• Knowledge and experience with fundamental quality improvement and assurance tools (MSA, APQP, CAPA).
• Experience with supplier quality management, supplier development, and working with external vendors.
• Experience with Aerospace industry standards.
• Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasks to fit business goals.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities.
• Required Computer Skills: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Nice to Have
• Statistical analysis applications (Minitab or equivalent). Compensation & Benefits
• Salary ranges: $102,000-$148,000 (Sr Level) and $128,000-$186,000 (Staff Level) per year, depending on experience.
• Benefits include 9/80 schedule, healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs), paid maternity and parental leave, 50% company match into 401(k) up to $11,500, and tuition reimbursement.
• Travel expectations may be significant (up to 50% or more); hybrid on-site/work arrangement for highly qualified Southern California candidates.