Job Title: Supplier Quality Engineer
Job Description
The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that suppliers consistently meet customer contractual obligations, regulatory standards, and AS9100 quality management requirements. This role acts as a key liaison between the organization and its supply base, driving supplier compliance, quality performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position focuses on managing supplier quality processes, verifying purchased materials and components, conducting audits, overseeing nonconformances and corrective actions, and supporting supplier development efforts. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, committed to quality excellence, and dedicated to meeting customer expectations while ensuring compliance with the quality management system and stakeholder requirements across the organization.
Responsibilities
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Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality and supplier management processes that comply with AS9100 standards, customer contractual obligations, and applicable regulatory requirements.
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Manage and maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL), ensuring that suppliers meet defined quality, delivery, and technical requirements.
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Define, communicate, and implement supplier quality requirements, including documentation, inspection criteria, and performance expectations.
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Partner closely with suppliers to drive compliance, improve performance, and ensure adherence to quality, delivery, and technical requirements.
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Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and performance reviews to evaluate supplier capability, identify risks, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
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Perform source inspections, product verification activities, and process surveillance at supplier facilities and internal locations to ensure conformity of purchased materials, components, and services.
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Verify purchased products and materials, including review of documentation, inspection results, and material traceability, to confirm compliance with specifications and requirements.
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Plan and perform quality analyses, report results, and mitigate risk related to quality requirements, product and process assessments, audits, and performance trends for products and services.
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Establish, monitor, and report supplier performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability and supply chain excellence.
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Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective action activities (RCCA) for supplier-related nonconformances using structured problem-solving methods such as 5 Why and 8D.
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Oversee nonconformance management and corrective action processes with suppliers, ensuring timely resolution, effective corrective actions, and sustainable improvements.
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Conduct and review First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 and applicable standards, including interpretation of engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
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Develop and maintain procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation related to supplier quality management and inspection processes.
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Collaborate with engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams to support supplier development, qualification, and ongoing performance improvement.
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Utilize ERP and quality systems to document inspections, track supplier performance, manage nonconformances, and support data-driven decision-making.
Essential Skills
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10+ years of experience as a Supplier Quality Engineer within the aerospace and defense industry.
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Strong experience in supplier quality, quality engineering, and quality assurance in a regulated environment.
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Hands-on experience with First Article Inspections (FAI) and AS9102 requirements.
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Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
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Experience with AS9100 quality management systems and compliance requirements.
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Practical knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and related processes.
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Experience with NADCAP requirements and processes.
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Working knowledge of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).
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Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) using tools such as 5 Why and 8D.
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Experience conducting supplier audits, product and process assessments, and performance reviews.
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Proficiency in verification of purchased products, inspection, and validation activities.
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Ability to plan, perform analysis, report results, and mitigate risk related to quality requirements and performance trends.
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Experience developing procedures and work instructions for quality and supplier management processes.
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Proficiency with Excel for data analysis, reporting, and tracking supplier performance.
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Experience using an ERP system such as Costpoint or similar for quality and supply chain-related activities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience working with AS9102, NADCAP, and PPAP in an aerospace and defense environment.
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Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management system principles and practices.
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Experience with quality control, inspection, and validation in a manufacturing or production setting.
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Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and leaders across multiple functions.
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Strong communication skills to clearly convey requirements, audit findings, and improvement actions to suppliers and internal stakeholders.
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Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and driving supplier performance excellence.
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Ability to manage multiple supplier-related projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Work Environment
The role operates in a combined shop and office environment, supporting and collaborating closely with engineers, technicians, and leaders. The Supplier Quality Engineer spends time both at a desk performing analysis, documentation, and reporting, and on the shop floor or at supplier locations conducting inspections, audits, and process reviews. The position involves regular use of computers, ERP systems, and quality management tools, as well as interaction with production and inspection equipment in a manufacturing setting. The work environment encourages cross-functional collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in support of high-quality aerospace and defense products.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Webster, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $81.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Webster,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
