Supplier Quality Engineering Manager

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Supplier Quality Engineering Manager to lead and develop FlightWave's supplier quality organization. This position is responsible for establishing and managing the systems, processes, and team that ensure all sourced materials, components, and assemblies meet FlightWave's quality, regulatory, and performance requirements.

The Supplier Quality Engineering Manager will oversee supplier selection, qualification, auditing, and ongoing performance management in alignment with AS9100 and customer standards. This role partners closely with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to mitigate risks, drive continuous improvement, and ensure supplier readiness for production and new product introductions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong technical expertise, analytical capability, and a proven track record in building high-performing teams and scalable quality systems within an aerospace or advanced manufacturing environment.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ability to read technical drawings/specifications.
• Familiar with IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 and IPC-A-620
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, PPAP, GD&T, and SPC.
• 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.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk in office and manufacturing environments.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. (parts, tools, or samples).
• Visual ability to read technical drawings and operate inspection equipment.
• Manual dexterity for handling tools, components, and office equipment.
• Ability to travel as required.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: $99k - $132k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.