Sr. Supplier Industrialization Engineer (Mechanical)
$154,000–$215,500 year
On-siteTorrance, California, United States
Job Summary
Ensure external suppliers build complex mechanical hardware to the quality, speed, and scale required for high-performance unmanned systems by translating design requirements into capable manufacturing processes. Review drawings, GD&T, material specifications, inspection plans, process flows, FAIs, CMM reports, control plans, and PFMEAs to validate supplier capability. Partner with engineering and suppliers during NPI to identify DFM risks, tolerance stack-up concerns, and production ramp risks before they impact builds. Lead supplier qualification, FAI/AS9102, PPAP-style readiness, run-at-rate, process capability, MSA/GR&R, and ongoing performance activities. Drive containment, root-cause analysis, 8D/SCAR closure, and supplier improvement plans for dimensional, material, cosmetic, and reliability issues. May require up to 50% travel.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, process engineering, or a related role supporting mechanical hardware production
- Hands-on experience with mechanical commodities such as CNC machining, precision machining, carbon fiber/composites, injection molding, additive manufacturing, sheet metal, castings, coatings, finishes, or mechanical assemblies
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, material specifications, inspection plans, CMM reports, and manufacturing process documentation
- Experience conducting supplier audits, process reviews, FAIs, capability assessments, and production readiness reviews in fast-paced NPI and production environments
- Familiarity with supplier quality tools and methods such as AS9102 FAI, PPAP/APQP concepts, PFMEA, control plans, SPC, Cpk/Ppk, MSA/GR&R, 8D, SCARs, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action management
- Ability to diagnose mechanical part defects, dimensional escapes, surface finish/cosmetic issues, material nonconformances, process variation, and supplier control weaknesses
- Proven track record of taking ownership, moving quickly under production pressure, communicating clearly across engineering and supplier teams, and driving measurable quality improvements
- Willingness to work hands-on with parts, suppliers, inspection data, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional teams rather than managing quality only through documentation
- May require up to 50% travel
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, drones, automotive, medical device, or other high-reliability hardware environments
- Experience with AS9100 suppliers, ITAR/EAR-controlled supply chains, high-mix manufacturing, or production ramps from prototype to rate production
- Familiarity with composite manufacturing methods such as layup, cure, trim, bonding, NDI/NDT, and inspection of carbon fiber structures
- Familiarity with precision machining, tight-tolerance mechanical assemblies, anodize/plating/coating processes, or supplier development in domestic and international supply bases
- Experience working directly with contract manufacturers, machine shops, composite suppliers, molders, additive manufacturing suppliers, and sub-tier suppliers
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