Manager, Supplier Quality Engineering

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Manager, Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE Manager) is deployed to a specific Business Unit / area of focus and is responsible for managing the performance of that BU's supplier base. This role reports to the BU Director of Quality, with functional oversight from the Director of Supplier Quality Management. The SQE Manager leads a team of Supplier Quality Engineers, drives supplier performance and corrective action closure, and partners with Global Supply Chain on initiatives to improve cost, quality, and delivery across the shared supplier network. This role requires a strong culture of accountability: holding both suppliers and SQEs to clearly defined performance expectations and following through when those expectations are not met. Duties Manage the day-to-day performance and development of a team of Supplier Quality Engineers supporting the assigned BU/area of focus Own supplier quality performance for the BU: scorecards, escalations, containment, and corrective action closure Hold suppliers and SQEs accountable to defined performance and quality expectations; escalate and enforce corrective measures (including supplier disqualification or personnel action) when expectations are not met Partner with BU site leadership on initiatives to improve supplier performance, including quality escapes, delivery risk, process capability, and other initiatives as needed Establish or mature foundational supplier quality systems and processes (e.g., scorecards, audit cadence, SCAR/corrective action tracking) in BUs or sites that do not yet have them in place Collaborate with Global Supply Chain on cross-BU initiatives (e.g., supplier consolidation, dual-sourcing, cost reduction, capacity planning) and provide SQE representation into those initiatives Review and approve supplier corrective action responses (8D, root cause/SCAR) for adequacy and sustainability Oversee supplier audits and site inspections against AS9100D requirements; ensure findings are tracked to closure Ensure supplier first article inspection (AS9102) and APQP-equivalent (AS9145) requirements are met for new part introductions, including flow down of applicable design, customer, and regulatory requirements to suppliers Escalate systemic or repeat supplier issues to BU Director of Quality and Director of Supplier Quality Management Coach and develop SQEs on technical proficiency, root cause methodology, and professional communication Provide input on supplier selection, requalification, and disqualification decisions Perform other duties and tasks as needed Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Minimum of 7 years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or related roles. Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience Working knowledge of AS9100D, AS9102, and AS9145 Strong root cause and corrective action skills (8D, 5-Why, fishbone) Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across Engineering, Global Supply Chain, and site leadership Ability to travel up to 30%, both domestic and international Preferred Qualifications ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, CSQP, or CQM) Six Sigma Green Belt or higher Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) in an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment Familiarity with IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards Working knowledge of SPC and other statistical quality tools (e.g., process capability studies, MSA) Physical Demands Ability to work in an office environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $117,500 - $179,250 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required