Supplier Quality Engineer

TrellisWare launched in 2000 with an innovative culture striving to push technological boundaries in the area of wireless communications. We are now a worldwide leader in highly advanced algorithms, waveforms, and communications systems that range from small form factor radio products to fully integrated solutions.

At TrellisWare, we connect passion with purpose and together we make an impact- on our careers, our company, and the world. And you can too. If you love to innovate and collaborate in a dynamic environment where boundaries are being pushed, you belong at TrellisWare. Where the opportunity to serve is not a challenge but a gift. Where you’re never going alone. Because there’s too much at stake to go solo.

Our Operations Team is seeking an onsite Supplier Quality Engineer. You would be responsible for leading systemic resolution of supplier quality issues and verifying the effectiveness of associated actions in support of ensuring the highest level of supply chain quality.  Supporting supplier qualification activities, monitors performance, and drives improvement actions through the SCAR process.  Evaluating non-conforming material through NCMR process and communicates associated risks to stakeholders and suppliers. 

Enhancing cohesiveness and maintaining team morale is a responsibility of all our team members, as is the ambition for self-improvement and talent development. Through this dedication to unity and professional advancement, each team member is directly impacting the successful outcome of TrellisWare’s deliverables and setting the tone for our core values of delivering excellence, pushing boundaries, and empowering people.

The essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Own supplier quality performance for a commodity portfolio across Asia and North America suppliers. 
• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes. 
• Conduct on-site and virtual supplier audits (process, system, VDA 6.3, AS9100, ISO 9001). 
• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, A3) for supplier escapes and field returns. 
• Monitor and improve supplier KPIs: DPPM, On-Time Delivery, SCAR closure timeliness, first-pass yield, and cost of poor quality (CoPQ). 
• Manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR) and supplier improvement plans. 
• Support supplier development and qualification of new sources in low-cost regions while maintaining defense-grade quality standards. 
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, DFARS flow-downs, counterfeit part prevention (AS6081/AS6171), and REACH/RoHS requirements. 
• Collaborate with Sourcing, Design Engineering, and Manufacturing teams on risk mitigation, DFM/DFA, and VA/VE initiatives. 
• Travel 30–50% internationally (primarily Asia; occasional North America and Europe).
• Provides technical support when necessary.
• Develops relationships with team members built on trust and respect.

Education and work experience requirements are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of Supplier Quality Engineering experience in electronics, RF, or defense/aerospace industries.
• Direct experience managing suppliers in Asia (Malaysia, Taiwan, etc.) and North America.
• Strong knowledge of quality tools: APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, 8D.
• Hands-on experience with PCBA (IPC-A-610, IPC-6012, J-STD-001), RF components, machined parts, and electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and MIL-STD requirements.
• Fluent in English; Mandarin language skills highly desirable.
• Preferred, but not required, skills and certifications include:
  • ASQ CQE, CQA, or Six Sigma Black/Green Belt.
  • Experience with tactical radio, SATCOM, or military communication products.
  • Knowledge of counterfeit mitigation (SAE AS5553, AS6081, IDEA-QA-001).
  • VDA 6.3 process audit certification.
  • ERP/MRP systems (QAD, SAP, Oracle) and PLM tools (Agile, Windchill).

To be considered for this position, you would need to meet, at a minimum, the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed here:

• Experience with CAPA, PPAP, supplier qualification, and process auditing
• Prior experience ensuring quality of electro-mechanical assemblies, plastic injection molding, surface mount technology, new product introduction, and/or metal fabrication products.
• Strong DMAIC/Six Sigma problem-solving skillset.
• Application of statistical principles and tools.
• Solid interpersonal skills to effectively partner with suppliers and foster cross functionally support.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications/instructions, engineering drawings, and schematics.
• Can communicate effectively at all professional levels of an organization.
• Working knowledge of monitoring and measurement equipment such as microscope, caliper, gauges, digital multimeter and other equipment necessary to assess electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Organization skills to collect data and transform it in meaningful information.
• Proficient in the base MS Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access) as well as Visio and Project.
• Strong collaborative drive and interpersonal skills.
• Strong initiative, proactive work ethic and prioritization skills.
• Trustable judgement and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Effective execution and decision making.
• Champion of change and promotes innovation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with qualified disabilities.

• Able to frequently sit, stand, walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel, reach within hands and arm’s length, stoop, kneel, and crouch, talk and hear.
• Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; frequently required to use office equipment such as PC, printer, telephone, etc.
• Able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional requirements are:

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency (ITAR compliance).
• Frequent travel (30-50%) to suppliers in Asia and occasional travel in North America.

Note: Many of TrellisWare's positions require a security clearance or the ability to obtain one. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Disclaimer – The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in the job description restricts the company's right to change, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time for any reason.

*TrellisWare Technologies, Inc. is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.*

Check out the Careers page for more information about working at TrellisWare Technologies.