Lead Supplier Quality Specialist (R3922)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With nine offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Job Description:

As a Lead Supplier Quality Specialist, you will drive supplier quality performance across Shield AI’s global supply base with supplier development engineering. You will be responsible for developing, deploying, and sustaining supplier quality tools, metrics and that ensure delivery of conforming hardware. Support supply chain in mitigating risk, and support rapid root cause analysis of hardware issues.

You will partner closely with Sourcing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Compliance teams to qualify new suppliers, manage root cause and corrective actions (RCCA), drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with Shield AI’s technical and quality standards (e.g., AS9100).

This role requires deep technical acumen, strong communication, and the ability to lead high-urgency problem-solving efforts with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage supplier-related non-conformances (NCRs) through containment, RCCA, and long-term corrective action
• Partner with Engineering and Supply Chain to define and deploy inspection plans, FAI (First Article Inspection) processes, and supplier test methods
• Lead the SCAR (Supplier Corrective Action Request) process, from issuance through closure, including supplier engagement and effectiveness validation
• Review and assess supplier manufacturing processes and quality systems, including new supplier onboarding and audit evaluation.
• Execute supply chain non-conformance management processes, including SDR, MRB, return to vendor (RTV/RMA), rework dispositions
• Monitor and report supplier performance (OTD, quality trends, defect escapes) through structured metrics and dashboards
• Perform on-site supplier assessments and audits as needed (e.g., ISO/AS9100 alignment, process audits)
• Collaborate cross-functionally to develop, implement and maintain Supplier Quality Manual, PPAP, and SQM frameworks
• Support design reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA development, and PPAP review for critical components as required
• Support Containment actions associated with non-conforming product, including identification of product location, coordination with Production and Responsible Engineers to mitigate risk and actions required to drive root cause analysis.
• Champion continuous improvement in manufacturing processes and product quality at key suppliers
• Lead and mentor other supplier quality engineers and act as a technical escalation point for complex quality issue

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, or related technical field, or equivalent years of experience in liu of degree
• 3 plus years of experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or defense environment with a focus on supplier quality
• Deep understanding of quality tools and methods (e.g., 8D, 5 Why, PFMEA, PPAP, Control Plans, SPC)
• Experience managing and closing out SCARs and leading supplier audits
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, and related industry standards
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems and QMS tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel up to 25% for supplier audits and development

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Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.