Apply on Employer Site

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company · 11 hours ago

Supplier Quality Engineering Manager

Carson, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$99K/yr - $132K/yr

6+ years exp

FlightWave Aerospace, a Red Cat Company, is seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineering Manager to lead their supplier quality organization. This role is responsible for establishing systems and processes to ensure all sourced materials meet quality and performance requirements, while overseeing supplier selection and performance management in alignment with industry standards.

AerospaceData Collection and LabelingTransportation

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Supplier Quality Engineering organization, providing direction, resources, and leadership to ensure supplier performance meets FlightWave’s quality, cost, and delivery objectives

Develop and implement the supplier quality management system, including policies, procedures, tools, and metrics aligned with AS9100 and customer requirements

Establish and maintain supplier qualification and approval processes, ensuring all suppliers meet regulatory, technical, and quality standards prior to production engagement

Oversee supplier performance management, tracking key metrics such as PPM, On-Time Delivery (OTD), and NCR trends. Use data-driven analysis to drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain comprehensive supplier quality records, audit reports, and corrective action tracking

Direct and coordinate supplier audits and capability assessments, identify risks, and lead supplier development and corrective action plans to address deficiencies and build long-term capability

Ensure robust part and process qualification, overseeing supplier PPAP submissions, AS9102 First Article validations, and readiness for new product introductions (NPI)

Champion process control and improvement initiatives, including SPC deployment, capability analysis, and risk-based supplier monitoring to enhance manufacturing robustness

Drive timely and effective root cause analysis (RCCA) and containment activities, ensuring systemic corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are implemented and verified for effectiveness

Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for Supplier Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and supporting staff. Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, technical excellence, and proactive problem-solving

Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure design intent, manufacturability, and supplier readiness are aligned with production and customer delivery goals

Lead supplier work transfer and risk mitigation efforts, ensuring supplier transitions are executed with minimal impact to quality and delivery performance

Participate in management reviews and strategic planning, presenting supplier performance trends, risks, and improvement actions to executive leadership

Perform other management duties as assigned to support departmental and corporate quality objectives

Qualification

Supplier Quality SystemsAS9100PPAPGD&TSPCQuality Engineering ExperienceSupplier AuditsProblem-Solving SkillsTechnical Drawing InterpretationMechanical Components KnowledgeElectrical Components KnowledgeCommunication SkillsCross-Functional Collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

6+ years of experience in a quality engineering or supplier quality role within a manufacturing environment

Experience building or maturing supplier quality systems

Strong knowledge of AS9100, PPAP, GD&T, and SPC

Excellent problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

Preferred

Ability to read technical drawings/specifications

Familiar with IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 and IPC-A-620

Experience working in ESD (static free) environments (e.g., ANSI S20.20)

Experience with supplier audits and quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100)

Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical components and manufacturing processes

Benefits

Generous annual equity package

Potential bonuses

Company

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company

FlightWave Aerospace is a division of Red Cat, focused on delivering extended short-range, endurance-optimized uncrewed aircraft for mission-critical operations.

Founded in 2014

Santa Monica, California, USA

51-200 employees