# Manager, Supplier Quality Engineer

**Company:** [Northwood Space](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/northwood-space)
**Location:** Los Angeles, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $150k – $215k/yr
**Experience:** 3+ years
**Skills:** Iso 9001, As9100, Ppap, Supplier Quality Management, Root Cause Analysis, Ncr/Capa, DFM, Npi, ERP, Plm, SQL, Lean Six Sigma
**Posted:** 2026-06-09

> 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.

## Job Description

## 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

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