Skip to content
Northwood SpaceNorthwood SpaceLos Angeles, CA

Manager, Supplier Quality Engineer

First quality hire building and leading Northwood's supplier quality program. Own supplier qualification, audits, KPIs, and quality systems for RF, PCBA, and electromechanical hardware in a high-reliability aerospace environment.

150k – 215k/yr
On-site3+ YOEHardware Engineering

About the role

Responsibilities

  • Design and launch Northwood’s first supplier quality management system, from process design to documentation and continuous improvement
  • Shape the supply base: Identify, qualify, and develop world-class suppliers for RF, PCBA, mechanical, and electromechanical components
  • Lead audits, performance reviews, and corrective actions that elevate quality and delivery across our network
  • Partner closely with design, manufacturing, and operations on DFM, NPI, and pilot builds - ensuring every part is production-ready
  • Define supplier KPIs (quality, cost, responsiveness) and implement real-time visibility tools that drive accountability and progress
  • Act as the technical and quality liaison between internal engineering and external suppliers - turning insights into scalable, repeatable success
  • Drive supplier readiness for production ramp-ups and capacity expansions as Northwood grows around the world
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (NCR/CAPA) to eliminate defects and strengthen design for manufacturability
  • Partner with suppliers on process improvements that cut costs, reduce cycle times, and maximize yields
  • Establish quality requirements and flow downs that ensure every product built by our partners reflects Northwood’s commitment to excellence

Basic Qualifications

  • 3+ years as a people leader in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, or Manufacturing Quality roles
  • Experience with quality standards and tools (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP)
  • A track record of building or scaling quality systems in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity environments
  • Proven success qualifying and managing suppliers and driving measurable performance improvement
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally to engage with our global supply network

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in an AS9100 environment
  • Background in aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industries
  • Hands-on experience with RF, PCBA, custom enclosures, or electromechanical assemblies
  • Familiarity with ERP, PLM, or digital quality management systems
  • Experience supporting early-stage product development through production ramp
  • Lean Six Sigma or similar certifications
  • Strong data fluency - proficiency with SQL or analytics tools for supplier and quality insights

Skills

Iso 9001As9100PpapSupplier Quality ManagementRoot Cause AnalysisNcr/CapaDFMNpiERPPlmSQLLean Six Sigma

Similar roles

Hardware Engineering jobs
Sesame

Hardware Test Automation Engineer

SesameSan Francisco, CA +1

Build and own automated test rigs and CI/CD-integrated frameworks for Sesame's Cypress wearable AI hardware. Design stress, throughput, long-duration audio, and battery tests; create performance dashboards that gate releases. Requires embedded test automation experience, Bluetooth/wireless expertise, and Python scripting in a fast-moving early-stage environment.

150k – 260k/yr
On-site5+ YOEHardware Engineering
Charge Robotics

First Manufacturing Engineer

Charge RoboticsSan Leandro, CA

Lead manufacturing for robotic solar farm construction systems, scaling from prototype to production while collaborating with design, supply chain, and vendors. Requires 4-8 years bringing complex electromechanical products to production.

150k – 190k/yr
On-site4+ YOEHardware Engineering
Fluidstack

Connectivity Engineer

FluidstackUnited States

The Connectivity Engineer is a Subject Matter Expert in fiber optics, structured cabling, and data center physical infrastructure, responsible for the full lifecycle of physical installation projects, including coordinating LVC schedules, performing QA/QC checks, and ensuring adherence to design standards and safety codes.

150k – 250k/yr
Remote5+ YOEHardware Engineering
Fluidstack

Data Center Structural Engineer

FluidstackAustin, TX +3

Supports structural engineering for data center campuses from site evaluation through construction, coordinating with teams on designs using steel, concrete, and foundations. Requires BS in Civil Engineering, 4+ years experience, PE license, and proficiency in Revit, ETABS, and structural analysis tools.

150k – 200k/yr
On-site4+ YOEHardware Engineering
Cerebras Systems

Electrical Engineer

Cerebras SystemsSunnyvale, CA

Leads PCB design from specification to production, handles schematic design, component selection, lab bring-up, and debugging. Requires 5-10 years experience in board design, electrical engineering degree, and skills in digital circuits, power delivery, and Python scripting.

150k – 260k/yr
On-site5+ YOEHardware Engineering