Supplier Quality Engineer at RTC Aerospace – Fife, Washington
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About This Position
About RTCA:
RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.
Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.
At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!
How You’ll Make an Impact:
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) manages and develops the external supply base for precision machined aerospace and defense components (including Boeing programs).
This is a cross-functional role spanning Quality, Purchasing, and Engineering—not a desk-only position. The SQE acts as an extension of the plant within the supplier network.
Responsibilities include driving supplier performance in quality, delivery, cost, and responsiveness, with a focus on special processes (NDT, coatings, heat treat, etc.) and continuous improvement. The role requires comfort on the shop floor, at supplier sites, and with data-driven problem solving.
What you’ll be doing as a Supplier Quality Engineer:
- Working a full-time, onsite position at our Fife, WA location.
- Supplier Quality & Performance Management
- Own supplier quality performance metrics (PPM, OTD, turnaround time, escapes)
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, RCCA) with suppliers
- Conduct supplier audits (process, quality system, AS9100 alignment)
- Ensure compliance to customer and internal specifications (Boeing, NADCAP, etc.)
- Manage supplier approval, qualification, and ongoing performance reviews
- Supplier Development & Continuous Improvement
- Partner with suppliers to improve:
- Lead times / turnaround
- Process capability and yield
- Cost competitiveness
- Drive Lean / CI initiatives within the supply base (flow, batching reduction, WIP control)
- Develop long-term supplier relationships and capacity strategies
- Support LTA (Long-Term Agreement) development in coordination with procurement
- Partner with suppliers to improve:
- Technical & Operational Support
- Review and validate:
- Purchase orders vs. drawings/specifications
- Special process requirements and certifications
- Serve as a technical liaison between RTCA engineering and suppliers
- Assist in resolving day-to-day production and supplier issues impacting schedules
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and first article (FAI) activities
- Review and validate:
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Purchasing (supplier selection, negotiations, performance)
- Quality (internal/external escapes, audits)
- Engineering (process capability, manufacturability)
- Operations (delivery and schedule alignment)Performs other duties as assigned.
- Work closely with:
Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):
- 5+ years experience in Aerospace Machining Environment with Supplier Quality or Quality Engineering experience.
- Strong knowledge of machined parts (CNC turning, milling, tight tolerance components) and Special processes (NDT, heat treat, plating, coatings).
- Familiarity with AS9100 quality systems and Boeing or major aerospace OEM requirements.
- Proven experience with: Root cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and Supplier audits and development.
- Ability to read and interpret Engineering drawings, GD&T, Specifications and contracts.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving capability
- High level of ownership and accountability
- Ability to influence without direct authority (supplier-facing role)
- Comfortable working the shop floor and in supplier facilities.
- Strong communication skills—can translate technical issues into actionable plans
- Willingness to travel to supplier locations (local and regional primarily)
Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):
- Experience working directly with NADCAP-approved processors
- Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement background
- Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
- Experience supporting LTAs and supplier consolidation strategies
- ERP/MRP system familiarity (job shop or aerospace environment)
Compensation and Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
- HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions
- Basic and supplemental life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
- Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
- Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
- Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance
The Supplier Quality Engineer Compensation range for onsite Washington applicants is $75-95k annually commensurate with experience. Some shifts may include shift differential pay rates. Other site ranges may differ.}
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required.
RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affirmative Action Plans, or those requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, should contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to access or use our career center due to a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources.
Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with Article 9, Chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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Job Location
Job Location
This job is located in the Fife, Washington, 98424, United States region.