Supplier Quality Engineer

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) with the responsibility of ensuring the quality of products and processes at supplier sites. This role will help manage supplier qualifications, development, and ongoing performance, requiring significant travel to supplier facilities to conduct audits, resolve quality issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain. The individual operating in this capacity will support all aspects of supplier quality, to include: quality characteristic identification and control, process control, advanced product quality planning process (APQP), inspection and testing, measurement system analysis, corrective action, etc.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with Supplier Management team to help drive strategic sourcing needs, decisions, and priorities
• Collaborating with the Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Mission Operations teams, to meet program goals
• Participate in the quality planning and design and development processes by providing key 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 the Stratolaunch supplier approval processes (including supplier qualification, re-qualification, and 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

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in quality management system requirements (such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949)
• Knowledge and experience with fundamental quality improvement and assurance tools (such as MSA, APQP, and 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 tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities

Required Computer Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)

Preferred Computer Skills

• Statistical analysis applications (Minitab or equivalent)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Sr Level ($102,000-$148,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 5-10 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Staff Level ($128,000-$186,000): Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from accredited institution and 10-20 years of engineering experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Position based in Mojave, CA
• Consideration for hybrid (partial remote/on-site work) work arrangement for highly qualified Southern California candidates
• Position requires significant interaction on the shop floor with the Materials and Processes, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management teams
• Travel expectations may be significant (up to 50% or more), for visiting manufacturing vendors

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s): 

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.  

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. 

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf