Prin Supplier QA Engineer (Remote/Southern California)

Company Overview

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters. Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Job Summary

The Principal Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of components sourced from suppliers specializing in metal casting and mold manufacturing. This role provides technical leadership for supplier qualification, process validation, quality improvement, and ongoing risk management across our supply base. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with cast metals, mold tooling, foundry processes, and metallurgy. Fully Remote: work based in Southern CA — the team is based in Saco, ME but this role operates remotely.

Impact of the Role

General Profile

• Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
• Leads others to solve complex problems
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
• May lead functional teams or projects
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions

• Focuses on planning, organizing, directing, and reporting on supplier provided raw materials, designed/manufactured goods, and packaging materials to ensure they meet or exceed requirements.
• Verifies and validates that suppliers and/or subcontractors have received and understand engineering, manufacturing, and quality requirements.
• Monitors quality control activities and systems at supplier and subcontractor facilities.
• Ensures programs are in place to improve supplier performance and productivity.
• Reviews and analyzes corrective action reports to reduce/eliminate defects.
• May perform root cause investigations into quality issues.
• Conducts audits and supports testing of products, materials, and processes to measure effectiveness and compliance with company expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Review and dispositions supplier deliverables to ensure requirements are met.

Additional Responsibilities

• Qualify and audit casting/tooling suppliers• Verify foundry/mold shop compliance• Implement supplier process controls• Approve PPAP, FMEA, flows, certs• Lead RCA and corrective actions for defects• Drive CI and scrap reduction• Review metallurgy and dimensional data• Support DFM and casting feasibility• Monitor KPIs and manage changes/issues

Required Qualifications

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience OR Equivalent Combination of Relevant Education &/or Experience
• Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree, ISO9001 Lead or Internal Auditor, Six Sigma Green Belt
• Discipline/Major: Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Manufacturing Engineering, preferred.
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Issue Resolution. KPI Management. Performance Analysis. Quality Audit. Quality Control/Testing. Quality Improvement. Quality Inspection. Supplier Management. Vendor Relationships. Service Level Agreements (SLA). Supplier Evaluation. Regulatory Compliance. ISO9001.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • In-depth knowledge of common casting methods (investment, sand, die, permanent mold, gravity, etc.).
  • Understanding of mold design, gating/feeder systems, metallurgical testing (NDT), and dimensional control.
  • Experience conducting supplier audits and leading corrective action activities.
  • Familiarity with quality tools such as PPAP, APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, GD&T.
  • Strong problem‑solving, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Experience working directly with domestic foundries.
  • Knowledge of heat treatment specifications and alloy behavior (aluminum, steel, iron, specialty alloys).
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD models and interpreting complex technical drawings.
  • Experience with ISO 9001, A9100, or other relevant quality system standards.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Travel Requirements

25-50% travel likely.

Pay Range (USD)

$125,000.00 - $162,500.00

Pay Transparency Statement

The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

Additional Compensation

Hired applicant may be eligible to participate in the Company’s Gain Sharing Program.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution. In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.