Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer - Welding & Fabrication

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) with deep expertise in welding and metal fabrication to join our team. As a key contributor to our defense systems supply chain, you will be responsible for ensuring the quality and compliance of welded components, fabricated structures, and related sub-assemblies provided by external suppliers.

This role involves working across a broad range of technologies-including formed and machined components, rugged electromechanical assemblies, robotics, and high-precision optical systems-used in critical defense and military applications. You will serve as the subject matter expert for welding and fabrication processes, leading weld document reviews, supplier qualifications, and process validation while maintaining overall supplier quality responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in welding engineering, quality systems, supplier development, and regulatory compliance within a defense or aerospace environment. You will drive supplier performance, support new product introductions, and ensure that purchased parts meet all technical, quality, and contractual requirements.

Serve as the technical authority for welding and metal fabrication processes within the supplier base.

• Review and approve supplier welding documentation, including WPS, PQR, WPQ, and weld inspection plans.

• Evaluate supplier capabilities for welding and fabrication, ensuring compliance with AWS, ASME, and ISO standards.

• Lead weld process qualifications and oversee special process control for critical components.

• Provide guidance to suppliers and internal teams on weld design, metallurgy, materials, and fabrication best practices.

• Audit and assess suppliers for compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, DFARS, and all flowed-down PO quality clauses.

• Evaluate supplier capabilities across welding, CNC machining, forming, electro-mechanical integration, and related processes to ensure alignment with technical and programmatic requirements.

• Assess supplier management of special processes, including those performed in-house or through approved sub-tiers.

• Monitor supplier quality performance metrics and drive improvement initiatives when gaps or risks are identified.

• Ensure traceability, documentation accuracy, and compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and defense-specific requirements.

• Lead efforts in supplier returns, corrective actions, root cause analysis (RCA), and preventive actions for recurring or systemic quality issues.

• Partner closely with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Purchasing to resolve technical, quality, and delivery issues.

• Support APQP, PPAP, and FAI activities for welded and fabricated components.

• Provide input during supplier selection and development to strengthen the overall supply base.

• Foster strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers-balancing formal audit responsibilities with collaborative support for low-volume, high-complexity programs.

• Support internal and external audits related to welding, fabrication, and supplier quality systems.

• Mentor team members and share best practices on weld quality standards, inspection, and supplier quality management.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of supplier quality or manufacturing quality experience in a defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated industry.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical assemblies,welding, and fabricated component manufacturing.
• Proficient in interpreting technical drawings and GD&T.
• Thrives in low-volume, high-complexity environments where relationship-building and influence are more critical than leverage-based oversight.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and defense contract flow-downs.
• Experience with ERP and QMS systems for supplier and quality management.
• Willingness to travel for supplier audits and evaluations.

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, or Mechanical Engineering.

• 7+ years of Supplier Quality, Welding Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality experience in a defense or aerospace environment.

• Certifications such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), or Welding Engineer credential.

• Experience reviewing and qualifying WPS/PQR/WPQ documentation and weld process control plans.

• Working knowledge of metal finishing, plating, and coating processes (e.g., anodizing, zinc/nickel plating, passivation) and their impact on material integrity and performance.

• Familiarity with special process auditing, including heat treatment, non-destructive testing (NDT), and coating validation.

• Proven ability to lead supplier development and improvement initiatives within complex, regulated supply chains.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of bridging technical depth with supplier collaboration.

The salary range for this role is $110,550- $143,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.