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Northwood · 1 month ago

Supplier Quality Program Manager

Torrance, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$120K/yr - $140K/yr

7+ years exp

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space through innovations in space communications technologies. They are seeking a Supplier Quality Program Manager who will define and establish a supplier quality program, ensuring products are designed and built for long-term reliability while cultivating a culture of quality and accountability.

AerospaceHardwareSatellite Communication

Diversity & Inclusion

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

Qualification

Supplier Quality ManagementQuality Standards ISO 9001Quality Standards AS9100Supplier DevelopmentLean Six Sigma CertificationData Fluency (SQL)Experience in AerospaceMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringIndustrial EngineeringProcess ImprovementTechnical Leadership

Required

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field

7+ years 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

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

Company

Northwood

Northwood was founded by Bridgit Mendler, Griffin Cleverly, and Shaurya Luthra with the mission to expand access to space by transforming satellite backhaul infrastructure.

Founded in 2023

Torrance, California, USA

11-50 employees