Supplier Development Engineer II - Composites with Security Clearance

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.