Supplier Quality Manager

Position Title: Supplier Quality Manager

Position Description: Protingent has an exciting direct hire opportunity with our client in Burbank, CA for a Supplier Quality Manager to work onsite in Burbank, CA.

Job Description:

• Our client is seeking a seasoned Supplier Quality Manager to lead and execute the organization's supplier quality strategy, ensuring all purchased materials, components, and services conform to internal, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• In this role, you will manage the overall quality and compliance performance of the Burbank supply base, drive continuous improvement, and lead a team of Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) in executing Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), risk mitigation, and root-cause-based quality improvements across Landing & Cabin Systems programs.

Job Responsibilities:

• Supplier Quality Leadership: Provide strategic oversight of supplier quality operations; lead, mentor, and develop a team of Supplier Quality Engineers; drive APQP and new product introductions.
• Non-Conformance & SCAR Management: Oversee supplier non-conformance management (NCRs and SRRs), authorize MRB dispositions, and ensure complete investigations and responses to customer complaints (SCARs).
• Root Cause & Corrective Actions: Enforce robust root-cause analysis standards and sustainable corrective actions to prevent recurrence of systemic quality issues.
• APQP & AS9145 Deployment: Drive a zero-defect culture by deploying and continuously improving AS9145 and APQP methodologies across the supply base.
• Inspection Oversight: Align Supplier Quality with Receiving Inspection, ensuring current inspection criteria, proper disposition validations, and optimized incoming verification.
• Process Control & Continuous Improvement: Partner with cross-functional teams to implement preventive process controls, align control plans with PFMEAs and process flows, and champion a prevention-focused culture.
• Supplier Risk Management: Lead annual and ongoing supplier risk assessments covering performance, capability, capacity, and compliance, establishing targeted mitigation plans.
• Supplier Development & Audits: Drive supplier performance via KPIs, scorecards, audits, and strategic reviews; align suppliers to APQP/PPAP (AS9145) standards.
• Team Technical Development: Ensure the SQE team maintains proficiency in AS9100, AS9145, root cause analysis methods, SPC, risk tools, and enterprise QMS tools (Oracle).

Job Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering preferred; Electrical, Materials Science, or Chemical also accepted).
• Experience: 5+ years of relevant supplier quality or manufacturing quality experience in aerospace, defense, space electronics, or high-reliability industries.
• Leadership Experience: 3+ years of direct leadership or people management experience managing engineering or quality teams.
• Core Methodologies: Demonstrated understanding of APQP/PPAP (AS9145) tools—including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, Process Capability, and SPC.
• Standards & Systems: Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS), AS9100/AS9145, and process control methodologies.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Precision GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) knowledge for machining and grinding.
• Experience with NADCAP special process requirements.
• AS9100 Auditor experience or ASQ Certifications (CQM, CQE).
• Lean and Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Proven track record leading successful supplier improvement or development initiatives.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Direct Hire
• Location: Burbank, CA
• Salary Range: $145K-$175K.
• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check.
• ITAR obligations are associated with this role, U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a) (1), (3) is required.

About Protingent: Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future.