Trust Automation, Inc. · 16 hours ago
Supplier Quality Engineer
San Luis Obispo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$89K/yr - $100K/yr
3+ years expTrust Automation, Inc. is a company with over 35 years of experience in custom motors and systems for various applications. The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for managing supplier quality, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with Supply Chain and Engineering on supplier-related activities.
Industrial EngineeringManufacturingService Industry
Responsibilities
Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering in the selection and approval of new suppliers
Evaluate supplier quality capability, risk level, and regulatory compliance during the sourcing and selection process
Conduct supplier quality system audits, process audits, and capability assessments as part of onboarding
Ensure quality requirements, specifications, drawings, standards, and customer flow-downs are clearly defined and communicated prior to supplier approval
Support supplier approval, conditional approval, or disqualification decisions based on quality risk
Maintain supplier qualification records, audit results, and approval status in accordance with internal procedures and AS9100 requirements
Act as the primary quality point of contact for assigned suppliers
Maintain oversight of supplier approval status, scope of approval, and quality risk classification
Support and monitor the supplier re-evaluation and renewal process, including: Periodic audits and assessments, Quality system and certification reviews, Performance trend analysis
Coordinate with Supply Chain on supplier renewals, status changes, and sourcing decisions based on quality performance and risk
Recommend supplier status changes using objective data
Monitor supplier performance using defined metrics, including: Defect rates (PPM(1)), Quality-related delivery impacts, SCAR responsiveness and effectiveness, Repeat nonconformances and escapes
Support supplier performance reviews and escalation activities when performance targets are not met
Drive supplier improvement plans, defect reduction initiatives, and capability improvement projects
Identify high-risk or underperforming suppliers and lead mitigation actions
Work closely with the assigned QE (NCR/MRB owner) on all supplier-related nonconformances
Support containment, investigation, and root cause analysis for supplier-caused NCRs
Own supplier communication related to nonconformances and corrective actions
Initiate and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs)
Verify corrective action implementation and effectiveness through data review, documentation review, audits, or on-site verification
Provide supplier risk assessments and corrective action status to support MRB disposition decisions
Support incoming inspection and receiving quality activities related to supplier quality risk
Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including: First Article Inspection Reports (FAI), Certificates of Conformance (COC), Test reports and inspection data, PPAP / APQP elements (when applicable), CMTRs and special process certifications
Support risk-based inspection planning and inspection strategy adjustments for supplier parts
Plan and conduct supplier quality system audits and process audits in accordance with AS9100 and ISO 9001 principles
Assess supplier controls over: Manufacturing processes, Special processes and sub-tier suppliers (when flowed down), Configuration management and change control
Document audit findings, track corrective actions, and verify closure
Identify supply chain risks related to quality, capacity, or compliance and drive mitigation plans
Review supplier-initiated changes related to: Manufacturing processes, Materials or sources, Tooling, equipment, or manufacturing location
Ensure changes are reviewed, approved, and validated prior to implementation
Coordinate with Engineering, QE, and Supply Chain to prevent unapproved changes or quality escapes
Verify supplier change control effectiveness in alignment with AS9100 requirements
Promote structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone)
Encourage data-driven decision making and preventive action at the supplier level
Support lean manufacturing and defect prevention initiatives across the supply base
Participate in cross-functional improvement projects impacting supplier quality, cost, or delivery
Collaborate with Quality Engineering, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations to resolve supplier quality issues
Support internal, customer, regulatory, and third-party audits related to supplier quality
Provide objective evidence, supplier records, and performance data during audits
Support customer and regulatory inquiries related to supplier quality performance
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality roles (preferably in aerospace, defense, or regulated industries)
Experience working with suppliers in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries
Experience with supplier audits, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes
Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and supplier quality management systems
Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FAI, SPC, MSA, and root cause analysis
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
Strong communication, supplier management, and problem-solving skills
Ability to travel to supplier sites as required
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP)
Lead Auditor Certification
This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver's License and clean driving record
May Participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your
Company
Trust Automation, Inc.
Trust Automation has 35 years of experience in custom; motors, linear drives, digital drives and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers in the Defense, Semiconductor, Industrial Automation, Greentech and Medical industries.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2025-10-11
Company data provided by crunchbase