JOB TITLE: SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II - COMPOSITES
DEPARTMENT: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
REPORTS TO: CHIEF PRODUCTION OFFICER
CLASSIFICATION: EXEMPT
CLEARANCE: SECRET
LOCATION: HOLLYWOOD, MD
Job Summary:
The Supplier Development Engineer II – Composites is an individual contributor responsible for improving performance and capability across the composite supply base supporting aerospace/UAV production. This role leads supplier assessments, drives resolution of critical issues, and ensures suppliers can meet quality, delivery, and scalability requirements for composite structures and components.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead development and performance improvement of key composite suppliers supporting UAV/aerospace production.
- Assess supplier capability in composite manufacturing processes (layup, curing, bonding, machining, finishing) and capacity to meet production demand.
- Drive resolution of high-impact quality and delivery issues, including execution of recovery plans.
- Lead root cause analysis for composite defects (e.g., porosity, delamination, cure variation) and ensure effective corrective actions.
- Conduct supplier audits and process reviews, including special processes and quality system compliance (e.g., NADCAP where applicable).
- Participates in negotiating terms and pricing with suppliers for purchase orders to ensure cost-effective andtimelyprocurement.
- Providehands-on technical guidance to improve yield, throughput, and process control.
- Support supplier readiness for new product introduction (NPI), including qualification, FAI, and ramp to rate.
- Partner with engineering, quality, and supply chain to manage risk, qualify new sources, and support make/buy decisions.
- Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost) and implement focused improvement actions.
- Serve asescalationpoint for critical supplier issuesimpactingproduction or program milestones.
- Mentor junior team members and support cross-functional execution.
- Prepare concise updates on supplier risk, performance, and recovery status for leadership.
- Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.
Basic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, industrial technology, ora relatedfield preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 2+ years of progressive experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, operations, or supply chain in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Ability to obtain and maintain security Clearance.
- Demonstrated experience leading supplier recovery, supplier improvement, and cross-functional resolution of complex supply chain issues.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, process validation, and supplier risk management.
- Ability to interpret complex technical requirements, specifications, and production constraints.
- Experience using data and KPIs to drive supplier accountability and performance improvement.
- Strong project leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement and root cause methodologies.
- Proficiencywith Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
- Ability to travel regularly to supplier locations, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiencywith Microsoft Office; ERP/MRP experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able tolift upto 50 pounds at times, more with assistance.
- Work environment consists of various office and manufacturing settings with may have exposure to noise, varying temperatures, smells, and chemicals.
- Ability to traverse manufacturing facility.
The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $95,000. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and spanet/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and work location, where applicable.
