• Supplier Quality Engineer III

    Red Cat Holdings (Carson, CA)


    Supplier Quality Engineer III

    Job Details

    Job Location

     

    Flightwave - Carson, CA

     

    Salary Range

     

    $132000.00 - $176000.00 Salary

    Description

    Position Summary

    FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is seeking an experienced and skilled Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to ensure the quality and reliability of all materials and components provided by our suppliers. We are an innovative drone technology company focused on the design and production of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for defense, public safety, and other government security applications.

     

    The Supplier Quality Engineer will collaborate with suppliers, internal teams, and cross functional departments to drive continual improvement, maintain compliance with quality standards and support the production of high-quality products.

     

    This role requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to foster effective supplier relationships. This role plays a key part in supplier selection, qualification, re-evaluation and ongoing performance management.

     

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

     

    + Perform supplier audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations in accordance with AS9100 and internal FlightWave procedures.

    + Lead supplier qualification and part approval activities, including PPAP and AS9102 First Article Inspections.

    + Review and approve supplier quality documentation, such as control plans, PFMEAs, and process flows.

    + Conduct data analysis using SPC, capability studies, and trend monitoring to identify improvement opportunities.

    + Lead 8D investigations and verify corrective action effectiveness through on-site validation and process controls.

    + Drive supplier improvement plans to strengthen process capability, maturity, and AS9100 compliance.

    + Drive supplier corrective and preventive actions (RCCA/CAPA) to closure, verifying long-term effectiveness.

    + Support and sometimes lead supplier work transfer readiness and risk mitigation reviews.

    + Support product launches, engineering changes, and new part introductions by ensuring supplier readiness and quality validation.

    + Collaborate with internal teams to resolve nonconformances, participate in MRB, and support design for manufacturability feedback.

    + Monitor supplier performance through KPIs (e.g., PPM, OTD, NCRs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Maintain accurate records of supplier quality performance, audit findings, and corrective actions.

    + Support supplier performance reviews and improvement initiatives through scorecards and QBRs.

    + Train and mentor junior engineers and inspectors on supplier quality best practices.

    + Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

    Required Qualifications

    + Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

    + 6+ years of experience in a quality engineering or supplier quality role within a manufacturing environment

    + Experience building or maturing supplier quality systems

    + Strong knowledge of AS9100, PPAP, GD&T, and SPC.

    + Excellent problem-solving skills.

    + Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

     

    Additional Desired Qualifications

     

    + Ability to read technical drawings/specifications.

    + Familiar with IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610 and IPC-A-620

    + Strong knowledge of AS9100, PPAP, GD&T, and SPC.

    + Experience working in ESD (static free) environments (e.g., ANSI S20.20).

    + Experience with supplier audits and quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).

    + Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical components and manufacturing processes.

     

    Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

     

    + Ability to sit, stand, and walk in office and manufacturing environments.

    + Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. (parts, tools, or samples).

    + Visual ability to read technical drawings and operate inspection equipment.

    + Manual dexterity for handling tools, components, and office equipment.

    + Ability to travel as required.

     

    Background Check

     

    This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

     

    EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

     

    Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

     

    E-Verify

     

    The company participates E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\_Es.pdf) rules.

     

    Compensation: $132k - $176k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.