--- title: 'Supplier Quality Engineer at SQA Services' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/supplier-quality-engineer-sqa-services-garden-city-g5284t0x3876' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-11-05' --- # Supplier Quality Engineer at SQA Services - **Company:** SQA Services - **Location:** Garden City, NY - **Compensation:** $60–$70/hr - **Employment:** contract - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-10-30 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-05 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/sqaservices/fa81b09a-da8c-4ba1-bdff-ae9a9882e9fc ## Job description The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied materials, components, special processes, and assemblies meet all aerospace quality, regulatory, customer, and contractual requirements. This role serves as the primary quality liaison between the organization and its supply base, driving supplier performance, risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and compliance with Aerospace Quality Management System requirements. The SQE works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, Program Management, and suppliers to ensure product conformity, supplier development, and on-time delivery of high-quality aerospace products. Key Responsibilities: Supplier Quality Management - Evaluate, qualify, and approve new suppliers in accordance with AS9100, customer requirements, and company quality standards. - Conduct supplier audits, assessments, and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with applicable aerospace requirements. - Monitor supplier quality performance through established metrics such as PPM, defect rates, audit findings, and corrective action effectiveness. - Support supplier selection and sourcing activities by providing quality risk assessments. Product and Process Quality Assurance - Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including: - First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) per AS9102 - Process Flow Diagrams - PFMEAs - Control Plans - Inspection Plans - Process Certifications - Verify compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, standards, and customer requirements. - Ensure supplier adherence to special process requirements, including NADCAP-accredited processes when applicable. Corrective and Preventive Actions - Lead investigations of supplier nonconformances and quality escapes. - Facilitate root cause analysis using methodologies such as: - 8D - 5 Why - Fishbone Diagram - Fault Tree Analysis - Review and approve supplier corrective action requests (SCARs). - Verify implementation and effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions. Supplier Development and Continuous Improvement - Drive supplier improvement initiatives to enhance quality, delivery, and process capability. - Analyze supplier performance data and establish improvement plans for underperforming suppliers. - Collaborate with suppliers to reduce variation, improve manufacturing processes, and implement best practices. - Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the supply chain. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements - Ensure supplier compliance with: - AS9100 Quality Management Systems - AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements - FAA regulations where applicable - Customer-specific aerospace requirements - Export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) as applicable - Support internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits. Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with Engineering, Procurement, Operations, and Program Management to resolve supplier-related quality issues. - Participate in design reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews, and risk assessments. - Support new product introduction (NPI) and production transfer activities. Required Qualifications: Education - Bachelor's degree in: - Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Quality Engineering - Or a related technical discipline ## Experience - 5+ years of quality engineering, supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or aerospace quality experience. - Experience working within AS9100-certified environments. - Experience with aerospace manufacturing processes, machining, assembly, composites, castings, forgings, or special processes. Technical Knowledge - Strong understanding of: - AS9100 - AS13100 - AS9102 - GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) - PPAP/APQP principles - Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) - Statistical Process Control (SPC) - Risk-based thinking and quality management systems - Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and aerospace standards. ## Skills - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Excellent communication and supplier relationship management capabilities. - Effective project management and organizational skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced aerospace environment. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and quality management systems. Preferred Qualifications: - Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) - ASQ - Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) - ASQ - Certified Lead Auditor training - Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt - NADCAP auditing experience - Experience with QT9 QMS Software suite - Experience with ERP and Quality Management Systems (Oracle.) - Experience supporting FAA, DoD, or commercial aerospace customers ## Key Competencies - Supplier Relationship Management - Risk Assessment and Mitigation - Root Cause Analysis - Continuous Improvement - Technical Problem Solving - Regulatory Compliance - Audit Management - Influencing and Negotiation - Data Analysis and Reporting - Customer Focus Working Conditions - Frequent interaction with domestic and international suppliers. - Up to 25% travel may be required for supplier audits, assessments, source inspections, and development activities. - work in both office and shop environments. Success Measures A successful Supplier Quality Engineer will: - Reduce supplier defect rates and nonconformances. - Improve supplier on-time delivery and quality performance. - Successfully close supplier corrective actions on schedule. - Maintain compliance with aerospace regulatory and customer requirements. - Develop a high-performing, reliable supplier network that supports production and customer commitments. SQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.​ This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. Must be ITAR compliant. ## About SQA Services ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: SQA Services provides global supplier quality assurance and inspection services to quality-critical industries, deploying a network of experts to manage supplier performance and product quality. - **Entity Type**: Private (bootstrapped; no recent funding disclosed) - **Headquarters**: Hawthorne, California, USA (based on job postings) - **Founded**: 1995 - **Founders**: Jim McKay and J. Michael McKay (father-and-son team) ## Core Business - **Primary industries**: Aerospace, Life Sciences (pharmaceutical, medical device, biologics), Automotive, Defense, Oil & Gas, and other quality-critical manufacturing sectors. - **Target customers**: B2B – primarily Fortune 500 companies and large manufacturers with complex, global supply chains. - **Mission/purpose**: To protect through quality – helping companies ensure that products are manufactured to specification, regardless of supplier location. ## Products & Services - **Supplier Quality Inspection & Auditing**: On-site source inspection, first article inspection (FAI), process audits, and quality engineering recovery programs. - **Program Management**: Dedicated Program Managers oversee end-to-end quality programs, providing visibility and accountability across multiple supplier sites. - **STEPQ (Digital Platform)**: A secure, cloud-based event management system that automates and reports on audits, CAPA, inspections, engineering, and quality agreements – giving clients real-time control over supplier quality performance. - **Large-Scale Remediation & Recovery**: Deployed teams for containment, supplier capability assessments, and rapid quality recovery (e.g., aerospace recovery team established 2023). ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (private company) - **Key Metric**: Over 30 years in business; operates in 90+ countries with hundreds of deployed quality experts. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not disclosed (client base includes global Fortune 500 companies) - **Growth Signals**: - Established a Large-Scale Aerospace Recovery Team in 2023. - Supported COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and distribution (2020-2021). - Launched a Global Biologics Gene and Cell Therapy audit platform (2021). - Expanded digital capabilities with STEPQ platform development. ## Competitive Advantages - **Global Network**: Hundreds of pre-vetted quality experts deployed across 90+ countries, enabling rapid, local support. - **30-Year Track Record**: Deep institutional knowledge in regulated industries (aerospace, life sciences) with certifications like CQA, PMP, Six Sigma. - **Proprietary Technology**: STEPQ platform provides unmatched visibility and control over supplier quality events, differentiating from pure staffing firms. - **Full Program Management**: Not just staffing – SQA manages entire programs with dedicated Program Managers, support teams, and infrastructure. ## Strategic Focus - **Digital Transformation**: Continued investment in STEPQ and digital tools to enhance operational visibility and collaboration. - **Life Sciences Expansion**: Growing capabilities in biologics, gene/cell therapy, and pharmaceutical quality auditing. - **Aerospace & Defense**: Leveraging recent large-scale recovery programs to deepen relationships in these sectors. - **Global Reach**: Maintaining a flexible, on-the-ground presence in key manufacturing regions to meet client needs. ## Why Work Here - **Culture**: Emphasizes Trust, Respect, Accountability, Dedication, and Excellence. Recognized for business achievement and employment practices. - **Work Style**: Mostly on-site contract roles at client locations (aerospace hubs like Los Angeles, Wichita, Huntsville, etc.). Flexible scheduling – ability to select projects aligned with interests and skills. - **Professional Development**: Certification bodies (IRCA, ASQ) recognize SQA activity for recertification credits. Opportunities to work on leading-edge quality initiatives with Fortune 500 clients. - **Perks**: Referral program, job-specific equipment, photo-badges, and a supportive global infrastructure. - **Engineering Culture**: Focus on quality engineering, process improvement, and hands-on problem-solving in manufacturing environments. ## Sources 1. [SQA Services - Official Website](https://www.sqaservices.com/) 2. [SQA Services - Careers Page](https://www.sqaservices.com/company/careers/) 3. [SQA Services - History](https://www.sqaservices.com/company/history/) 4. [SQA Services - Leadership](https://www.sqaservices.com/company/leadership/) 5. 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