Director, Supplier Development Engineering

About the role

You will lead the Supplier Development Engineering team to ensure quality and reliability for the Terran R program. This role is centered on establishing robust processes that allow our production scale to expand without sacrificing technical excellence or product integrity. The successful candidate will act as the technical authority for supplier capabilities, driving initiatives that enhance yield, reduce risk, and improve delivery predictability. You will define the frameworks that translate design intent into manufacturable solutions across the supply base. This position requires a disciplined approach to problem-solving and a commitment to data-driven decision-making. You will mentor engineers who interface directly with suppliers to resolve complex technical challenges. Ultimately, you will own the end-state vision for supplier industrialization, ensuring that Relativity maintains a competitive advantage in speed and quality.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Build and manage a high-performing team focused on supplier industrialization and technical accountability, setting clear expectations for performance and innovation.
• Define and implement supplier development strategies, reliability roadmaps, and quality management systems that strictly adhere to AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Establish performance metrics and scorecards to track and improve yield, PPAP timelines, and supplier capabilities, using data to inform strategic decisions.
• Manage supplier risk through disciplined problem-solving frameworks like 8D to ensure rapid recovery and prevent recurrence of critical issues.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain departments to align on qualification and new product introduction execution, ensuring seamless integration.
• Oversee operational tasks including APQP, DFM, DFA, FAIR approvals, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive efficiency and reduce waste.
• Partner with procurement to evaluate new supplier capabilities and support the due diligence of potential vendors for critical technologies.
• Develop and maintain technical interfaces with suppliers to ensure clear communication of requirements, changes, and expectations.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts for complex failures, coordinating cross-functional teams to implement effective and lasting solutions.
• Drive the adoption of lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes and enhance supplier performance.
• Utilize advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes to guide suppliers in achieving robust and scalable production methods.
• Ensure all supplier deliverables meet the stringent requirements of aerospace applications, focusing on safety, reliability, and traceability.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning within the team.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for supplier-related technical issues, providing expert guidance to internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Aerospace, or Industrial, providing a foundational understanding of core engineering principles.
• 10+ years of experience in Supplier Development, Supplier Industrialization, or Manufacturing Engineering within aerospace or safety-critical sectors, demonstrating a proven track record.
• 5+ years of direct people management experience including team mentorship, performance oversight, and professional development of engineering staff.
• Expert knowledge of quality tools including APQP, PPAP, FAIRs, PFMEA, and control plans, with the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.
• Proven ability to establish and deploy new processes across cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment and adoption.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the work week to engage with suppliers, attend stakeholder meetings, and oversee operations on-site.
• Demonstrated experience with reliability engineering principles and methods, including failure mode analysis and corrective action planning.
• Strong understanding of production processes and manufacturing techniques relevant to aerospace component fabrication.

Nice to have

• Master degree in a relevant engineering field, providing advanced theoretical and practical knowledge.
• Professional certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ Certified Manager of Quality, or PMP, indicating a commitment to professional excellence.
• Experience with high-volume inspection methods and data-driven acceptance criteria for mass production environments.
• Proficiency in enterprise software including PLM, ERP, and MES, enabling effective management of product and process data.

Skills & tools

• AS9100, ISO 9001
• APQP, PPAP, FAIR, PFMEA
• 8D problem solving
• Lean, Six Sigma
• PLM, ERP, MES

Practical notes

Relativity provides a comprehensive benefits package including equity, PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and a learning and development stipend. The company is an equal opportunity employer. Requests for reasonable accommodations during the application process can be sent to accommodations@relativityspace.com. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted.