[Hiring] Engineering Principal - Quality @BAE Systems

Role Description

We are searching for a Printed Wiring Board Professional to fulfill a Supplier Quality Engineering role in the Supplier Quality Electronics Category Team, with applied industry experience in engineering, manufacturing, inspection, and acceptance of high reliability Printed Wiring Boards of varying types and complexities. This role bridges technical PWB experience with Quality Assurance, PWB Category Management, and Supply Chain Management.

This professional will implement tools and processes to ensure suppliers have robust manufacturing processes, tests, and acceptance plans to deliver first time quality to BAE Systems. The role requires both applied industry experience and certification to IPC-A-600 as well as a comprehensive working knowledge of IPC-6012, IPC-6013, IPC-6018, IPC-TM-650, MIL-STD-883 and other PWB-related standards and guidelines.

The selected candidate will:

• Investigate, evaluate, resolve, mitigate and/or prevent quality issues by conducting audits, analyzing defect trends, leading failure analysis & continuous improvement projects, and applying corrective & preventive action tools.
• Travel to select suppliers to conduct performance updates, audits, capability assessments, process evaluations, and process optimization activities for PCB fabrication and assembly.
• Work as part of the PWB Commodity Team and take part in multiple Supplier activities to improve supplier performance.
• Utilize analytical skills to find innovative solutions to quality, design, and process-related issues.
• Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization to ensure suppliers understand requirements and expectations; make progress reports and present findings.

This role will report to the Electronics Director of Supplier Quality and will require shifting between tactical and strategic work perspectives depending on the work at hand and organizational needs.

Expected Travel requirement: Approximately 50%, with varying distribution based on priorities and projects. This will be a mix of local, day visits as well as some overnight travel across the Country.

Additionally, you will:

• Utilize supplier Scorecards/metrics and analytical tools to quantify performance levels of assigned suppliers.
• Work with those suppliers to develop improvement plans toward achieving optimal quality performance.
• Evaluate the impact of nonconforming product and assess suppliers’ corrective actions.
• Champion problem solving and root cause analysis activities with suppliers to eliminate recurrence of non-conformances.
• Perform Source Inspection of product at supplier locations.
• Perform and Evaluate First Article Inspections per the requirements of AS9102 as well as train suppliers to meet BAE’s expectations.
• Drive “Zero Defect” mentality, and programs, within the PWB supply base.
• Review & Approve supplier PPAPs (Production Part Approval Process) and FAI (First Article Inspection) reports.

This is a remote position; however, the selected individual must live in or around the New England area of the United States to be able to travel to/visit suppliers in the area. Relocation is not available.

Qualifications

• Typically a Bachelor's Degree and 6 years work experience or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor’s degree and 4-8+ years of related experience or 8-12+ years of related engineering experience in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to work, operate and contribute to a team with diverse background and experience; adapt and support the culture as a positive, engaged and impactful member of the team.
• Work Experience in the PCB/PWB manufacturing industry.
• Work Experience in a Supplier Quality Engineering role.
• Experience with electrical/mechanical inspections, product test, equipment and instrumentation.
• Direct knowledge of Manufacturing processes and supply chain logistics from raw material to finished goods.
• Effective, practical problem solver using structured problem-solving methods and systems.
• Effective communicator, able to express ideas clearly, directly and objectively to all levels of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering or technical field and 8-10 years of experience in a Printed Wired Board manufacturing environment and related functions within the PWB/PCB bare board industry.
• Experience in Aerospace or a Defense Electronics Prime Contract environment.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 Quality System and AS9102 First Article Requirements and Source Inspections.
• Certification to IPC-A-610.
• Working knowledge and familiarity with IPC-6012, IPC-6013, IPC-6018, subordinate IPC standards/guidelines, MIL-PRF-31032, MIL-PRF-55110, MIL-STD-883, MIL-PRF-38534, and ASME Y15.1.
• Proficient experience in Product Production Line Validation, test, equipment, instrumentation, and qualification of Mechanical and Fabricated products.
• Previous experience in the PCB/PWB manufacturing industry favored.
• Working knowledge of PCBA/CCA inspection/test, equipment and instrumentation.
• Experience with product test, equipment and instrumentation, knowledge of thermal processes, welding, and brazing, finishes and coatings, nondestructive testing, fabrication, composites and other common processes common in the Aerospace and Defense Industries.
• Familiarity with APQP and PPAP and process tools such as PFMEA and Control Plan.
• Practical experience with Lean Manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma.
• Green / Black Belt certification from a recognized organization.
• Working knowledge of the principles and the purpose of a Quality Management System.
• Eligibility to obtain a security clearance from the Department of Defense.

Company Description

BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.