Supplier Development Engineer II - Composites

JOB TITLE: SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER II - COMPOSITES

DEPARTMENT: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT 

REPORTS TO: CHIEF PRODUCTION OFFICER

CLASSIFICATION:  EXEMPT 

CLEARANCE: SECRET 

LOCATION: HOLLYWOOD, MD

Job Summary:  

The Supplier Development Engineer II – Composites is an individual contributor responsible for improving performance and capability across the composite supply base supporting aerospace/UAV production. This role leads supplier assessments, drives resolution of critical issues, and ensures suppliers can meet quality, delivery, and scalability requirements for composite structures and components.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Lead development and performance improvement of key composite suppliers supporting UAV/aerospace production.
• Assess supplier capability in composite manufacturing processes (layup, curing, bonding, machining, finishing) and capacity to meet production demand.
• Drive resolution of high-impact quality and delivery issues, including execution of recovery plans.
• Lead root cause analysis for composite defects (e.g., porosity, delamination, cure variation) and ensure effective corrective actions.
• Conduct supplier audits and process reviews, including special processes and quality system compliance (e.g., NADCAP where applicable).
• Participates in negotiating terms and pricing with suppliers for purchase orders to ensure cost-effective andtimelyprocurement.
• Providehands-on technical guidance to improve yield, throughput, and process control.
• Support supplier readiness for new product introduction (NPI), including qualification, FAI, and ramp to rate.
• Partner with engineering, quality, and supply chain to manage risk, qualify new sources, and support make/buy decisions.
• Monitor supplier performance (quality, delivery, cost) and implement focused improvement actions.
• Serve asescalationpoint for critical supplier issuesimpactingproduction or program milestones.
• Mentor junior team members and support cross-functional execution.
• Prepare concise updates on supplier risk, performance, and recovery status for leadership.
• Perform other duties as are necessary and/or required.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, industrial technology, ora relatedfield preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 2+ years of progressive experience in supplier development, supplier quality, manufacturing engineering, operations, or supply chain in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required)
• Demonstrated experience leading supplier recovery, supplier improvement, and cross-functional resolution of complex supply chain issues.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, process validation, and supplier risk management.
• Ability to interpret complex technical requirements, specifications, and production constraints.
• Experience using data and KPIs to drive supplier accountability and performance improvement.
• Strong project leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement and root cause methodologies.
• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to travel regularly to supplier locations, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office; ERP/MRP experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able tolift upto 50 pounds at times, more with assistance. 
• Work environment consists of various office and manufacturing settings with may have exposure to noise, varying temperatures, smells, and chemicals. 
• Ability to traverse manufacturing facility. 

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $95,000. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, education and training, job-related knowledge and skills, the scope and level of responsibility of the position, internal equity, and market/business considerations. The listed range is a general guideline and may vary based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and work location, where applicable.