Senior Supplier Industrialization Engineer

About the role

You will serve as a technical lead for the Terran R program, ensuring that supplier hardware meets quality and production standards. This role requires managing the transition of components from development into scaled manufacturing while maintaining strict oversight of processes and performance. You will act as the primary technical contact for rocket assemblies to resolve manufacturing issues and maintain production timelines. The position demands direct involvement in new product introductions by identifying manufacturing methods, selecting suppliers, and building scalable workflows. You will execute design for manufacturing reviews and utilize APQP principles to ensure quality from the early stages of development. Additionally, you will manage supplier sourcing, evaluations, and corrective actions to ensure adherence to AS9100, ISO 9001, and NASA quality standards. The role involves developing technical specifications to communicate manufacturing and quality requirements to the supply base. You will investigate defects using 8D methodology and implement long-term corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Act as the primary technical contact for rocket assemblies to resolve manufacturing issues and maintain production timelines.
• Direct new product introductions by identifying manufacturing methods, selecting suppliers, and building scalable workflows.
• Execute design for manufacturing reviews and utilize APQP principles to ensure quality from the early stages of development.
• Manage supplier sourcing, evaluations, and corrective actions to ensure adherence to AS9100, ISO 9001, and NASA quality standards.
• Develop technical specifications to communicate manufacturing and quality requirements to the supply base.
• Investigate defects using 8D methodology and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Partner with engineering and operations teams to align manufacturing processes with program objectives and performance targets.
• Lead process validation activities to confirm that supplier capabilities meet production volume requirements.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, drive improvements, and support data-based decision making.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve complex manufacturing risks and dependencies.
• Optimize supplier workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and consistency across multiple component types.
• Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cycle time, and defect reduction.
• Facilitate technical negotiations with suppliers to ensure alignment on specifications, deliverables, and quality expectations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the supply chain and manufacturing teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in engineering, quality, or a related STEM field.
• 8+ years of experience in supplier quality or supplier development engineering.
• Technical expertise in space-quality hardware manufacturing, including machining, forming, cutting, and assembly of stainless and carbon steels.
• Proven experience with PPAP, FAIRs, and 8D problem-solving.
• Experience with new product development and PPAP implementation.
• Ability to define and own processes from the ground up.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the work week.
• Proficiency with ERP or MRP systems.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and regulatory compliance in the aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and performance requirements.
• Experience working with suppliers on corrective action plans and root cause analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interfacing with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Capability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant work environment.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with high-volume inspection and data-driven acceptance methods.
• Knowledge of enterprise applications including PLM, ERP, and MES.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and roll out new processes to diverse teams.

Practical notes

• Compensation includes salary, equity, PTO, sick leave, parental leave, and a learning and development stipend.
• Reasonable accommodations for the application process are available via email.
• The company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the work week is required for this position.
• Full-time engagement is based in Long Beach, California, and aligns with program schedules and project milestones.
• Applicants must meet all listed requirements to be considered for the role.
• The position supports critical manufacturing activities for the Terran R rocket program.
• The role operates within a framework of strict quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Collaboration with internal teams and external suppliers is essential to success.
• This position is integral to the industrialization and scaling of production processes.
• The work environment is dynamic, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.
• Continuous improvement is a core expectation for this role.
• All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and company policies.