Whats it like to drive quality excellence and innovation in a fast-paced defense industry environment? Rewarding.

BAE Systems is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Supplier Quality Engineer to lead our Procurement Quality Support Engineering (PQSE) Team for a specific vehicle platform. This strategic leadership role reports directly to the Procurement Quality Program Manager and is critical in driving quality excellence, innovation, and technical expertise across our supply chain.

Note: This position can support at our sites in either Anniston, Alabama or Elgin, Oklahoma.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted advisor and external spokesperson for the organization on major quality-related matters, interacting with senior external personnel and stakeholders to drive business outcomes.
• Develop and implement innovative solutions to complex quality problems, leveraging extensive expertise and knowledge of related disciplines to drive business results.
• Lead a team of Junior and Senior Quality Engineers and Technologists in floor support initiatives, investigations, non-conformance reporting and trending, Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) involvement and trending, Supplier First Article planning and review, and APQP/PPAP.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, improve processes, and enhance overall quality performance, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Serve as a consultant to management and special external spokesperson for the organization on major matters pertaining to PQSE policies, plans, and objectives.

• Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering or technical field of study and 6 years related work experience, specifically in a quality engineering or similar field, with a strong track record of leadership, technical expertise, and innovation.
• Ability to apply extensive expertise using knowledge of other related disciplines to drive business results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with others, including senior external personnel and stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of mechanical drawing interpretation, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerances (GD&T), Failure Analysis, Root Cause Analysis, and Corrective/Preventative Actions.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100 Quality Systems, AS9102B First Article Requirements, and other industry standards.
• Proven problem-solving skills, with experience using typical Quality gauges and measuring tools (e.g., Calipers, Micrometers, Pin Gauges).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and related industry software applications.
  

• Experience in a Defense Prime Contract environment.
• Knowledgeable with product line validations, test plans, test equipment, and product qualification.
• Familiarity with specific manufacturing processes, such as forgings, castings, foundries, machining, welding, brazing, finishes, coatings, nondestructive testing, fabrication, composites, electrical/electronics, and other common processes in the Naval, Defense, and Aerospace industries.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) or equivalent.
• Project management certifications such as: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) or similar.