Supplier Quality Engineer

Trust Automation•San Luis Obispo, CA

9h•$88,525 - $100,000

About The Position

Trust Automation has over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications. Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population. Every employee has an “at-will” relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice. Job Summary The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for the end-to-end management of supplier quality to ensure consistent delivery of conforming materials, components, and services. This role owns supplier quality lifecycle activities including supplier selection support, onboarding, qualification, performance monitoring, re-evaluation, corrective action, and continuous improvement, in close partnership with Supply Chain and Engineering. The SQE serves as the primary quality interface to suppliers and is accountable for supplier quality capability, compliance, and performance. The SQE and QE work collaboratively on supplier-related nonconformances to ensure effective containment, root cause analysis, corrective action, and prevention of recurrence. This role supports compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, customer-specific requirements, and regulatory expectations (e.g., DCMA/DoD).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field.
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality roles (preferably in aerospace, defense, or regulated industries).
Experience working with suppliers in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.
Experience with supplier audits, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.
Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and supplier quality management systems.
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FAI, SPC, MSA, and root cause analysis.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
Strong communication, supplier management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to travel to supplier sites as required.
This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
May Participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your
Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.
Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items.
Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Sitting or standing for extended period of time
Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.
Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Nice To Haves

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP)
Lead Auditor Certification.

Responsibilities

Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering in the selection and approval of new suppliers.
Evaluate supplier quality capability, risk level, and regulatory compliance during the sourcing and selection process.
Conduct supplier quality system audits, process audits, and capability assessments as part of onboarding.
Ensure quality requirements, specifications, drawings, standards, and customer flow-downs are clearly defined and communicated prior to supplier approval.
Support supplier approval, conditional approval, or disqualification decisions based on quality risk.
Maintain supplier qualification records, audit results, and approval status in accordance with internal procedures and AS9100 requirements.
The SQE owns supplier quality management throughout the supplier lifecycle.
Act as the primary quality point of contact for assigned suppliers.
Maintain oversight of supplier approval status, scope of approval, and quality risk classification.
Support and monitor the supplier re-evaluation and renewal process, including:
Periodic audits and assessments
Quality system and certification reviews
Performance trend analysis
Coordinate with Supply Chain on supplier renewals, status changes, and sourcing decisions based on quality performance and risk.
Recommend supplier status changes using objective data.
Monitor supplier performance using defined metrics, including:
Defect rates (PPM(1))
Quality-related delivery impacts
SCAR responsiveness and effectiveness
Repeat nonconformances and escapes
Support supplier performance reviews and escalation activities when performance targets are not met.
Drive supplier improvement plans, defect reduction initiatives, and capability improvement projects.
Identify high-risk or underperforming suppliers and lead mitigation actions.
Work closely with the assigned QE (NCR/MRB owner) on all supplier-related nonconformances.
Support containment, investigation, and root cause analysis for supplier-caused NCRs.
Own supplier communication related to nonconformances and corrective actions.
Initiate and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
Verify corrective action implementation and effectiveness through data review, documentation review, audits, or on-site verification.
Provide supplier risk assessments and corrective action status to support MRB disposition decisions.
Support incoming inspection and receiving quality activities related to supplier quality risk.
Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including:
First Article Inspection Reports (FAI)
Certificates of Conformance (COC)
Test reports and inspection data
PPAP / APQP elements (when applicable)
CMTRs and special process certifications
Support risk-based inspection planning and inspection strategy adjustments for supplier parts.
Plan and conduct supplier quality system audits and process audits in accordance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 principles.
Assess supplier controls over:
Manufacturing processes
Special processes and sub-tier suppliers (when flowed down)
Configuration management and change control
Document audit findings, track corrective actions, and verify closure.
Identify supply chain risks related to quality, capacity, or compliance and drive mitigation plans.
Review supplier-initiated changes related to:
Manufacturing processes
Materials or sources
Tooling, equipment, or manufacturing location
Ensure changes are reviewed, approved, and validated prior to implementation.
Coordinate with Engineering, QE, and Supply Chain to prevent unapproved changes or quality escapes.
Verify supplier change control effectiveness in alignment with AS9100 requirements.
Promote structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).
Encourage data-driven decision making and preventive action at the supplier level.
Support lean manufacturing and defect prevention initiatives across the supply base.
Participate in cross-functional improvement projects impacting supplier quality, cost, or delivery.
Collaborate with Quality Engineering, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations to resolve supplier quality issues.
Support internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits related to supplier quality.
Provide objective evidence, supplier records, and performance data during audits.
Support customer and regulatory inquiries related to supplier quality performance.