Principal Supplier QA Engineer – Southern California

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Organize, plan, oversee, and report on raw materials, goods designed/manufactured by suppliers, and packaging materials.

• Confirm and validate that engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements are understood by suppliers and subcontractors.

• Supervise quality control initiatives and systems at the facilities of suppliers and subcontractors.

• Ensure that programs enhance supplier performance and productivity.

• Evaluate and analyze corrective action reports to minimize or eliminate defects.

• Conduct root cause investigations related to quality issues.

• Perform audits and assist in testing products, materials, and processes for compliance and effectiveness.

• Review and make decisions on supplier deliverables.

• Qualify and audit suppliers of casting/tooling.

• Verify compliance of foundry and mold shop operations.

• Implement process controls for suppliers.

• Approve PPAP, FMEA, process flows, and certifications.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions addressing defects.

• Promote continuous improvement and reduction of scrap.

• Review metallurgy and dimensional data.

• Support design-for-manufacturing and assess casting feasibility.

• Monitor KPIs and manage changes or issues.

• Provide technical leadership in supplier qualification, process validation, quality enhancement, and ongoing risk management.

⛳️ Requirements

• Associate's Degree with 8-10 years of relevant experience, or a comparable mix of education and experience.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Experienced with cast metals, mold tooling, foundry processes, and metallurgy.

• Hands-on experience in metal casting and mold manufacturing.

• Knowledgeable in issue resolution, KPI management, performance analysis, quality audits, quality control/testing, quality improvement, quality inspection, supplier management, vendor relationships, SLAs, supplier evaluation, regulatory compliance, and ISO9001 standards.

• Extensive understanding of various casting methods including investment, sand, die, permanent mold, and gravity casting.

• Familiar with mold design, gating/feeder systems, metallurgical testing (NDT), and dimensional control.

• Experience in conducting supplier audits and leading corrective action efforts.

• Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and GD&T methodologies.

• Direct experience working with domestic foundries.

• Knowledgeable in heat treatment specifications and the behavior of alloys, including aluminum, steel, iron, and specialty alloys.

• Proficient in interpreting complex technical drawings and 3D CAD models.

• Experienced with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other relevant quality system standards.

• Must be able to remain stationary at a desk or computer for extended durations.

• Regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities is required.

• Ability to travel 25-50% of the time is likely.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package.

• Healthcare benefits.

• Wellness benefits.

• Retirement benefits.

• Work/life balance benefits.

• Career development programs.

• Recognition programs.

• Eligibility for the Gain Sharing Program.

• Opportunity for remote work arrangements.