Supplier Quality Manager

Standard Job Description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire, and integrate our capabilities to transform the future. At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.

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supplier quality initiatives with overall business goals.

The Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) Manager leads a team of supplier quality engineers and is accountable for the overall quality performance of the supplier base. The role ensures that all purchased hardware, materials, and services meet stringent quality, reliability, and regulatory requirements, while driving continuous improvement and risk mitigation across the supply chain. Performs technical evaluations including product requirements, specifications, models/designs, drawings and procedures. Collaborates with program management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and customers on quality related issues to ensure quality standards are in place. Engages in product failure investigations, material review board decisions and corrective/preventive action. Ensures corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards and/or are compliant with requirements. Develops strategies and systems designed to improve internal and/or supplier performance and productivity. Evaluates quality systems for deficiency identification and correction. Designs and analyzes inspection and testing processes, mechanisms and equipment; conducts product quality tests, performs statistical analysis to assess products or materials that do not meet required standards and specifications. Engages in supplier selection process and maintain certification programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree required.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience in supplier quality, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage projects, and influence external partners.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required Secret security clearance
• Previous experience in supply chain
• Willingness to tavel up to 25% for supplier site visits, audits, assesments, etc.

Desired Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align supplier quality initiatives with overall business goals.
• Strong Communication: Clear written and verbal skills to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Problem‑Solving: Expertise in root‑cause analysis, risk assessment (FMEA), and implementing robust corrective actions.
• Customer Focus: Understanding of downstream impact on product performance and customer satisfaction.
• Lean Six‑Sigma: Certified Green Belt or Black Belt or strong working knowledge preferred.
• (aerospace/defense, automotive, or high tech manufacturing).
• Influence & Negotiation: Skillful at driving supplier improvements
• A Technical degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Automotive, Manufacturing Engineering preferred.