Supplier Quality Engineer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on uncrewed systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that purchased materials, components, and services consistently meet established quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role serves as the primary technical interface between the company and its suppliers, driving continuous improvement in supplier performance. Key duties typically include evaluating and approving suppliers, conducting audits, resolving supplier-related quality issues, analyzing defect trends, implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and supporting new product introductions by validating supplier processes. The SQE works cross?functionally with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams to maintain robust incoming quality and strengthen the overall supply chain.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Machining Process & Supplier Capability Assessment

• Evaluate supplier capability in precision machining processes, including:




• Multi-axis CNC machining
• Turning, milling, grinding, and finishing operations
• High-precision aerospace components




• Assess supplier ability to meet:




• Dimensional tolerances (GD&T)
• Surface finish requirements
• Critical feature control
• Regulatory requirements




• Review machining strategies, tooling approaches, and process controls
• Support supplier selection based on technical manufacturing capability

Material Science & Special Process Oversight

• Evaluate and ensure compliance with material requirements including:




• Aerospace alloys (nickel-based, stainless, titanium, etc.)
• Heat treatment processes
• Coatings and surface treatments
• Material certifications and traceability




• Verify suppliers maintain proper control of:




• Material lot traceability
• Certification documentation (MTRs, C of C)
• Special processes and approved vendors




• Support failure analysis related to:




• Material defects
• heat treatment issues
• metallurgical anomalies

Engineering Drawing & Specification Interpretation

• Interpret engineering drawings including:




• GD&T and tolerance stack-ups
• Critical-to-quality features
• Surface finish and geometric requirements




• Ensure suppliers fully understand technical requirements prior to production
• Support technical discussions between Engineering and suppliers regarding manufacturability and process capability

Supplier Quality Management & Performance

• Monitor supplier performance for:




• Product quality and defect rates
• Evaluate supplier (SPC) data for process capability and repeatability
• Responsiveness to quality issues




• Maintain supplier scorecards

Nonconformance, Root Cause & Corrective Action

• Lead supplier-related NCRs and SCARs, with focus on:
• Drive root cause analysis (RCCA) using structured methods:




• 8D
• 5 Whys
• Fishbone




• Validate corrective actions at both process and system levels
• Ensure permanent resolution of recurring issues

First Article Inspection (FAI) & Process Validation

• Review FAI packages (AS9102)
• Support validation of new suppliers, processes, and design changes

Incoming Inspection & Quality Verification Support

• Support development of inspection / control plans for critical machined components
• Review inspection results, CMM data, and dimensional reports
• Ensure traceability between:




• Material
• machining processes
• inspection data




• Partner with internal Quality and Manufacturing teams on acceptance criteria

Engineering, Manufacturing & Supply Chain Integration

• Collaborate with Design and Product Engineering on:




• Manufacturability of components
• Tolerance feasibility




• Partner with Supply Chain on:




• technical supplier selection
• supplier risk evaluation




• Support Manufacturing with supplier-related production issues

Configuration Control & Digital Thread Alignment

• Ensure supplier-delivered components align with:




• Correct drawing revisions
• Approved configurations
• Controlled documentation




• Support traceability across:




• PLM/PDM (design definition)
• ERP/MRP (material and purchasing)
• QMS (quality records and NCR/CAPA)




• Ensure all internal supplier documentation is audit-ready and AS9100 compliant

Supplier Development & Continual Improvement

• Drive improvement initiatives focused on:




• machining capability
• process control
• defect reduction
• lead time improvement




• Develop suppliers toward higher capability levels for aerospace manufacturing
• Support strategic supplier development and long-term partnerships

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct supervisory responsibility
• Leads supplier quality activities and cross-functional initiatives

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong knowledge of precision machining processes and manufacturing methods
• Understanding of material science and metallurgy relevant to aerospace components
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and supplier quality requirements
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers and internal engineering teams
• Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)

Preferred

• Experience with:




• Turbomachinery or propulsion system components
• High-temperature alloys and advanced materials
• Special processes (heat treat, coatings, NDT)




• Familiarity with:




• AS9102 (FAI), AS9145 (APQP)
• PPAP
• Supplier audits and quality systems




• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (Costpoint preferred)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bacheloris degree in (or equivalent experience):




• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• or related discipline




• 5i10 years of experience in:




• Supplier quality
• manufacturing engineering
• machining or materials-focused roles

Preferred

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or propulsion manufacturing
• ASQ certifications (CQE, CQA) or equivalent

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office, manufacturing, and supplier environments
• Frequent interaction with machine shops, inspection labs, and production areas
• Ability to perform supplier site visits and process assessments
• May require standing, walking, and inspection activities
• May be required to lift materials or components up to 75 lbs

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

15 i40% travel to support:

• Supplier audits
• Supplier capability assessments
• Source inspections
• Supplier development initiatives

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALSiASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT AREiINCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY.i THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

EEO/M/F/D/V

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