Supplier Quality Development Engineer (all genders)

About the Position

Supplier Quality Development Engineer (all genders)

Join STARK, a pioneering defense technology company, as a Supplier Quality Development Engineer. You will play a crucial role in ensuring flawless production readiness in a high-stakes defense environment.

About Us

STARK is revolutionizing the deployment of autonomous systems across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective. Our mission is to provide operators with a decisive edge in contested environments.

About the Team

You will be part of a proactive Supply Chain Quality team dedicated to defect prevention. This collaborative group works alongside Advanced Quality Planners and assesses Supplier Quality Engineers (SQEs) to prepare robust manufacturing processes and drive final supplier buyoffs to ensure flawless production readiness.

Your Mission

As a Supplier Quality Development Engineer, you will elevate our external manufacturing partners in a high-stakes defense environment. Your primary mission is to help suppliers close capability gaps to meet our rigorous technical specifications. When non-conformances arise, you will lead deep-dive root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions. You will act as a technical coach, bridging engineering intent with supply chain execution to ensure zero-defect serial production.

Responsibilities

• Execute targeted action plans to close post-assessment capability gaps, coaching suppliers to output robust, defense-compliant Control Plans.
• Define and document clear, measurable defect criteria in collaboration with internal Design and suppliers to eliminate standard ambiguities missed during initial project planning.
• Drive First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP) to validate that suppliers can physically execute complex engineering drawings and GD&T requirements in mass production.
• Coordinate immediate containment of defective components to shield internal production lines, and guide suppliers through structured 8D root-cause analysis to deliver verified Corrective Action Reports (SCARs).
• Navigate supplier non-conformances through strategic escalation levels, balancing firm accountability with diplomatic relationship management to prevent supplier withdrawal or less outputs.
• Translate supplier manufacturability constraints into actionable feedback for internal Design teams, while monitoring Defect Rate/PPM metrics to launch targeted continuous improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or equivalent technical knowledge in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, combined with 3–5 years of experience in Supplier Quality Development or manufacturing engineering.
• Expertise in structured root cause analysis and quality tools (8D, SCARs, 5-Why, Fishbone) to permanently resolve complex supplier defects.
• A "detective" mindset to challenge superficial 8D responses, coupled with the diplomatic assertiveness to hold suppliers strictly accountable while actively coaching them to technical success.
• Hands-on experience utilizing ERP/QMS systems to track supplier performance metrics, manage SCAR workflows, and digitally isolate non-conforming stock.
• Willingness to travel regularly (domestically and internationally) to supplier sites for gap-closure projects, audits, and hands-on problem-solving workshops.
• Proficient written and spoken English and German for managing and negotiating with international and local supply chain partners.

Nice to Have

• Direct, hands-on experience working within the high-stakes Defense, Aerospace, or Automotive sectors.
• Solid working knowledge of part qualification processes (FAI, PPAP/APQP) and a comfortable ability to read and navigate engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience implementing advanced industry standards, specifically integrating NATO AQAP or Aerospace (EN 9100/AS9100) traceability and quality requirements into supplier control plans.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally, acting as the bridge to align internal Engineering expectations with the actual capabilities of external suppliers.

We Offer

• Opportunity to work in a cutting-edge defense technology company.
• Be part of a team that is revolutionizing the deployment of autonomous systems.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.

About the Company

STARK is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.