Staff Supplier Quality Engineer PCB/PCBA

About the role

Skydio is the leading US drone company and the world leader in autonomous flight, the key technology for the future of drones and aerial mobility. The Skydio team combines deep expertise in artificial intelligence, best-in-class hardware and software product development, operational excellence, and customer obsession to empower a broader, more diverse audience of drone users, from utility inspectors https://www.skydio.com/solutions/energy-and-utilities to first responders https://www.skydio.com/solutions/public-safety, soldiers in battlefield scenarios https://www.skydio.com/solutions/national-security/tactical-isr, and beyond https://www.skydio.com/solutions. As a Staff Supplier Quality Engineer focused on PCB and PCBA within the Supplier Quality Engineering organization, you own the end-to-end quality strategy for critical electronics manufacturing suppliers. You own the evaluation, qualification, and ongoing performance management of suppliers producing printed circuit boards and assembled electronics for Skydio products. You own the technical depth required to ensure supplier processes align with Skydio's rigorous design for reliability, manufacturability, and field quality expectations. You own the cross-functional collaboration necessary to translate hardware design intent into robust supplier quality plans and executable controls. You own the detailed technical engagement with suppliers to resolve complex quality issues and drive continuous improvement in yield, reliability, and consistency. You own the data-driven oversight that ensures incoming materials, fabrication, assembly, and test processes meet or exceed Skydio's standards before parts reach production.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute detailed supplier assessments and on-site audits targeting PCB fabrication houses, SMT assemblers, and final assembly providers to validate quality systems, process controls, and production capability.
• Partner closely with Electrical, Manufacturing, and Design Engineering teams throughout the hardware product development lifecycle to ensure early quality planning, design for manufacturability, and supplier readiness for new product introductions and volume production.
• Drive supplier qualification programs including process audits, First Article Inspections (FAI), Production Validation Builds (PVT), and manufacturing readiness reviews to confirm compliance with Skydio's design, reliability, and quality requirements.
• Lead supplier quality planning activities across prototype, pre-production, and mass production phases, developing and maintaining control plans, PFMEAs, process validations, and outgoing quality strategies to minimize incoming inspection and maximize field reliability.
• Manage supplier corrective action requests (SCARs), lead 8D investigations, coordinate containment actions, and conduct root cause analysis to resolve quality issues rapidly and drive systemic improvements across the supplier base.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze supplier scorecards and key performance indicators focused on quality, reliability, yield, on-time delivery, and responsiveness, enabling data-driven continuous improvement initiatives toward zero defects.
• Analyze manufacturing and field quality data to identify trends, assess supplier performance, and proactively mitigate risks related to PCB fabrication, SMT assembly, component quality, and electronic system reliability.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement robust inspection, test, and process control methodologies, including in-circuit test, functional test, boundary scan, and other validation techniques to ensure consistent product quality and long-term process capability.
• Interpret electrical schematics, assembly drawings, Gerber files, fabrication notes, and engineering documentation, and communicate technical requirements clearly and effectively to suppliers at all levels.
• Apply advanced quality tools such as PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, 8D, Root Cause Analysis (5-Why, Fishbone), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Analysis, and Design of Experiments (DOE) with demonstrated measurable results.
• Conduct hands-on failure analysis and reliability testing for electronic assemblies, applying knowledge of component qualification, supplier process validation, and test methods to identify and resolve defects.
• Champion the adoption of IPC standards including IPC-A-610, IPC-6012, IPC-J-STD-001, and IPC-7711/7721, ensuring suppliers follow electronics industry quality requirements and best practices.
• Coordinate and execute travel to supplier sites as needed to perform audits, reviews, and problem-solving activities, supporting global supplier coverage where required.
• Obtain FAA Part 107 certification within the first 60 days of employment, as strongly encouraged for all Skydio employees and required for certain positions involving operational drone testing or oversight.

Requirements

• You are a self-starter with a passion for delivering exceptional quality and reliability in advanced electronic products.
• You possess strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and supplier partners to achieve quality objectives.
• You have experience developing, qualifying, and managing electronics manufacturing suppliers across multiple geographies in complex technology environments.
• You have quality engineering experience in high-volume, high-complexity consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, robotics, or similar industries, with deep knowledge of PCB fabrication, SMT processes, electronic assembly, test systems, and component quality management.
• You are familiar with PCB and PCBA manufacturing processes, including PCB fabrication technologies, soldering processes, AOI, SPI, ICT, flying probe, functional test, X-ray inspection, and reliability testing methodologies.
• You are experienced interpreting electrical schematics, assembly drawings, Gerber files, fabrication notes, and engineering documentation, and can effectively communicate technical requirements with suppliers.
• You are proficient with quality tools such as PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, 8D, Root Cause Analysis (5-Why, Fishbone), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Analysis, and Design of Experiments (DOE), with demonstrated measurable results.
• You have experience with component qualification, supplier process validation, reliability testing, and failure analysis techniques for electronic assemblies.
• Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC-6012, IPC-J-STD-001, IPC-7711/7721) and electronics industry quality requirements is highly desirable.

Nice to have

None specified.

Practical notes

Expected travel requirements are 20-30%.

FAA Part 107 certification must be obtained within the first 60 days of employment for relevant positions.

Compensation

At Skydio, our compensation package for this role includes a competitive base salary. Specific base pay ranges may vary based on candidate skills, experience, and location. Skydio is proud to offer a comprehensive total rewards package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; and additional benefits. Details of the total rewards package will be provided during the hiring process.