Supply Chain Engineer SAFE

Supply Chain Engineer

Location: Tempe, Arizona
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Division: SAFE, Inc. (a division of The Protective Group, part of Point Blank Enterprises)

About SAFE, Inc.

SAFE, Inc. is an engineering and technology research company headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. As a division of The Protective Group (TPG) within Point Blank Enterprises, SAFE designs and delivers pilot seating safety solutions and components for aerospace and defense customers. As a federal contractor, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality, compliance, and delivery.

Position Summary

The Supply Chain Engineer bridges design engineering, procurement, and external suppliers. This role ensures technical execution, quality compliance, and on-time delivery of critical aerospace hardware, raw materials, and subassemblies. You will lead supplier technical assessments, drive continuous improvement, negotiate cost and lead time, and mitigate manufacturing risks to support active production and scaling programs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supplier Sourcing and Qualification: Lead technical sourcing, qualification, and onboarding of critical suppliers of precision aerospace components and structures.
2. DfM / DfSC Integration: Partner with Design and Manufacturing Engineering to apply Design for Manufacturability (DfM) and Design for Supply Chain (DfSC) principles early in the product development lifecycle.
3. Supplier Performance Management: Evaluate supplier capacity, technical capability, and lead times using structured KPIs. Identify bottlenecks and implement “return-to-green” action plans.
4. Commercial Negotiation: Negotiate cost and lead time by leveraging buying volume, long-term agreements, and other strategies to deliver the best overall value in material procurement.
5. Quality and Nonconformance Management: Manage supplier deviation requests, nonconformance routing, and root-cause investigations. Support enforcement of AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements.
6. Supplier Site Engagement: Travel domestically and internationally to conduct capability audits, oversee high-risk manufacturing processes, and resolve critical production issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical discipline
• 3+ years of direct engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, precision fabrication, composites, special processes) and document management systems
• Hands-on experience using and optimizing ERP/MRP systems for demand planning and inventory control
• Demonstrated expertise in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), variable data analysis, and statistical process control (SPC)
• Familiarity with aerospace compliance requirements, including Classified information handling, CUI, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR
• Willingness to travel up to 25-30% to supplier sites and manufacturing facilities
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person, with the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Logistics, or Business Administration
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Active U.S. Government Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one (highly preferred for defense programs)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SAFE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

SAFE, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the HR department.

SAFE, Inc. will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Export Control and Security Requirements

This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible, applicants must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by ITAR (22 C.F.R. § 120): a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants who are not U.S. Persons may be considered only if SAFE, Inc. can obtain the required export authorization from the U.S. Government, and SAFE, Inc. is under no obligation to seek such authorization.

Because this role supports defense programs, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, export-control screening.