Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join our team. As a key contributor to our defense systems supply chain, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality and compliance of components and sub-assemblies provided by external suppliers. This role involves working across a broad range of technologiesincluding advanced soft goods with integrated electronics, rugged electromechanical assemblies, robotics, and high-precision optical systemsused in critical defense and military applications.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quality systems, supplier development, and regulatory compliance in a defense or aerospace environment. You will drive supplier performance, support new product introduction, and ensure that purchased parts meet all technical and contractual requirements.

Responsibilities

• Audit and assess suppliers for compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, DFARS, ITAR, and flowed-down PO quality clauses.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, including textiles, flexible circuits, embedded electronics, electro-mechanical integrationand alignment with technical and programmatic requirements.
• Review and verify supplier controls for special processes (e.g., conformal coating, plating, heat treat), including oversight of sub-tier suppliers and outsourced operations.
• Lead efforts in supplier returns, corrective actions, root cause analysis (RCA), and preventive actions for recurring or systemic quality issues.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Purchasing to resolve technical, quality, and delivery issues from NPI through full-rate production.
• Monitor supplier performance metrics (e.g., PPM, OTIF, audit findings) and drive continuous improvement initiatives where risk or gaps are identified.
• Ensure traceability, documentation accuracy, and compliance with all contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Foster strong, trust-based relationships with suppliersbalancing formal audit responsibilities with collaborative, low-volume, high-complexity program support.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field.
• 35+ years of supplier quality or manufacturing quality experience in a defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated industry.
• Background in soft goods, textile integration, or electro-mechanical systems is highly desirable.
• Proficient in interpreting technical drawings and GD&T.
• Thrives in low-volume, high-complexity environments where relationship-building and influence are more critical than leverage-based oversight.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and defense contract flow-downs.
• ERP and QMS systems experience.
• Willingness to travel for supplier audits and evaluations.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ CQE or CSQP certification preferred.
• Experience with quality tools: FMEA, 8D, PPAP, SPC, MSA, and Six Sigma.

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.