Sr. Supplier Quality Systems Engineer

Worker Type

Job Description
 

Summary
The Senior Supplier Quality Systems Engineer serves as the enterprise owner and architect for supplier quality systems, processes, and compliance across multi-site operations. This role ensures that supplier quality management is robust, standardized, and aligned with aerospace and regulatory requirements (AS9100, AS9145, AS9102, ITAR, DCMA). Acting as a technical leader, the Senior Systems Engineer drives cross-functional alignment, implements enterprise-level supplier quality tools, and mentors team members to strengthen the overall supplier quality organization.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for the maintenance, and continuous improvement of supplier quality elements of the Quality Management System (QMS) across all company sites.
• Lead enterprise standardization efforts for supplier quality workflows (NCs, SCARs, APQP/PPAP, Audit, Supplier Scorecards, etc.).
• Provide governance and technical leadership for supplier-facing systems (ERP, Net-Inspect, supplier portals), ensuring integration and alignment with corporate quality objectives.
• Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory and customer requirements including AS9100, AS9145, AS9102, ITAR, DCMA, etc.
• Develop, deploy, and oversee supplier audit programs, ensuring risks are captured, mitigated, and actions driven to closure.
• Represent supplier quality during third-party audits, customer audits, and government assessments as needed.
• Lead gap analyses, risk assessments, and supplier maturity evaluations to ensure continuous compliance and readiness.
• Maintain oversight of the Verified Vendors List (VVL) ensuring all suppliers are properly qualified, maintained, and monitored for ongoing compliance, performance, and risk.
• Partner with Supply Chain, SQEs, and leadership to evaluate new suppliers, manage ongoing compliance reviews, and lead decisions related to supplier approvals, conditional status, or disqualification.
• Guide and mentor Supplier Quality Process Specialists, building organizational capability in systems, processes, and data.
• Act as project lead for enterprise initiatives such as APQP rollout, supplier portal integration, supplier segmentation, or lessons learned systems.
• Drive a culture of data-driven decision-making, ensuring supplier quality performance metrics are accurate, visible, and actionable.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in supplier quality, quality systems engineering, or QMS program management.
• Demonstrated success leading AS9100 and AS9145/APQP programs across multi-site operations.
• Proven track record of hosting and successfully closing third-party audits, customer assessments, or regulatory audits.
• Strong expertise in ERP systems (Oracle Fusion preferred), quality management platforms (Net-Inspect), and supplier portals.
• Deep knowledge of supplier quality tools and standards: AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), AS9145 (APQP/PPAP), AS13000 (8D).
• Familiarity with ITAR, DCMA, and other government compliance requirements.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to standardize and scale systems across multiple sites and business units.
• Excellent project management and change management skills; able to lead cross-functional initiatives to completion.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills; able to engage effectively with executives, suppliers, and auditors.
• Advanced analytical skills with experience in dashboards (Power BI, Tableau) and data-driven problem solving.
• Self-directed, highly motivated, and able to balance enterprise initiatives with tactical problem solving.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior staff (specialists, SQEs) to build organizational strength.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use required.

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

• Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating.

Special Requirements

• Occasional domestic travel to suppliers and company sites as needed.

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR