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QinetiQ US

Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer – Welding & Fabrication

QinetiQ US, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

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Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer – Welding & Fabrication Join to apply for the Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer – Welding & Fabrication role at QinetiQ US.

We are a world‑class team of professionals delivering next-generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems across 50+ global locations. Our work spans sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields collaborate to protect the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being part of QinetiQ US means contributing to the safety and security of the world, helping save lives, reducing risks, and maintaining the global infrastructure we all depend on.

Why Join QinetiQ US? If you have the courage to tackle complex challenges, you will experience a unique environment where innovative teams blend perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to solve critical problems. In our diverse and inclusive culture, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. We offer workplace flexibility, commitment to health and well-being, and opportunities to work with purpose.

Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) with deep expertise in welding and metal fabrication to join our defense systems supply chain. You will ensure the quality and compliance of welded components, fabricated structures, and related sub‑assemblies from external suppliers across technologies such as formed and machined components, rugged electromechanical assemblies, robotics, and high‑precision optical systems. As the subject matter expert, you will lead weld document reviews, supplier qualifications, process validation, and overall supplier quality responsibilities.

Responsibilities Welding & Fabrication Expertise

Serve as the technical authority for welding and metal fabrication processes within the supplier base.

Review and approve supplier welding documentation, including WPS, PQR, WPQ, and weld inspection plans.

Evaluate supplier capabilities for welding and fabrication, ensuring compliance with AWS, ASME, and ISO standards.

Lead weld process qualifications and oversee special process control for critical components.

Provide guidance to suppliers and internal teams on weld design, metallurgy, materials, and fabrication best practices.

Supplier Quality & Compliance Oversight

Audit and assess suppliers for compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, DFARS, and all flow‑down PO quality clauses.

Evaluate supplier capabilities across welding, CNC machining, forming, electro‑mechanical integration, and related processes to meet technical and programmatic requirements.

Assess supplier management of special processes, including in‑house or sub‑tier activities.

Monitor supplier quality performance metrics and drive improvement initiatives for identified gaps or risks.

Ensure traceability, documentation accuracy, and compliance with contractual, regulatory, and defense‑specific requirements.

Lead efforts in supplier returns, corrective actions, root‑cause analysis (RCA), and preventive actions for recurring or systemic quality issues.

Collaboration & Cross‑Functional Support

Partner closely with Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Purchasing to resolve technical, quality, and delivery issues.

Support APQP, PPAP, and FAI activities for welded and fabricated components.

Provide input during supplier selection and development to strengthen the overall supply base.

Foster strong, trust‑based relationships with suppliers—balancing formal audit responsibilities with collaborative support for low‑volume, high‑complexity programs.

Support internal and external audits related to welding, fabrication, and supplier quality systems.

Mentor team members and share best practices on weld quality standards, inspection, and supplier quality management.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field.

5+ years of supplier quality or manufacturing quality experience in a defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated industry.

Deep knowledge of mechanical assemblies, welding, and fabricated component manufacturing.

Proficient in interpreting technical drawings and GD&T.

Thrives in low‑volume, high‑complexity environments where relationship‑building and influence are critical.

Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and defense contract flow‑down.

Experience with ERP and QMS systems for supplier and quality management.

Willingness to travel for supplier audits and evaluations.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, or Mechanical Engineering.

7+ years of Supplier Quality, Welding Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality experience in a defense or aerospace environment.

Certifications such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Welding Engineer credential.

Experience reviewing and qualifying WPS/PQR/WPQ documentation and weld process control plans.

Working knowledge of metal finishing, plating, and coating processes (e.g., anodizing, zinc/nickel plating, passivation) and their impact on material integrity and performance.

Familiarity with special process auditing, including heat treatment, non‑destructive testing (NDT), and coating validation.

Proven ability to lead supplier development and improvement initiatives within complex, regulated supply chains.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of bridging technical depth with supplier collaboration.

Pay Transparency The salary range for this role is $110,550–$143,500 USD. The range provided is a good‑faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to role, function, associated responsibilities, candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Company EEO Statement If you have a medical condition or disability requiring a reasonable accommodation during the employment process, please e‑mail staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658‑2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Job Details Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Quality Assurance

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