Supplier Development & Technical Program Manager (Aerospace)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly driven Supplier Development & Technical Program Manager with deep experience in aerospace manufacturing to act as a critical bridge between customers, internal teams, and a global supplier network. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who thrives outside of a desk environment-actively engaging on the shop floor, solving real-time production challenges, and driving supplier performance.

What You'll Be Doing

• Serve as the technical interface between customers and suppliers for complex aerospace components
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers aligned with quality, cost, and delivery expectations
• Partner closely with suppliers to resolve manufacturing, processing, and inspection challenges
• Lead root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions for quality and delivery issues
• Translate engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical requirements into clear, executable processes
• Drive supplier accountability through performance improvement plans and technical guidance
• Assess supplier capabilities, risks, and capacity to support business needs
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and operations teams
• Support sourcing decisions with a strong understanding of cost, schedule, and risk trade-offs
• Travel to supplier sites as needed for audits, development, and issue resolution

What We're Looking For

• Strong background in aerospace manufacturing (engine components experience is a major plus)
• Experience supporting major aerospace customers or similar high-spec environments
• Proven success working directly with suppliers on special processes such as:
  • Surface treatments (coatings, anodizing)
  • Shot peening
  • Non-destructive testing (NDT)
• Deep expertise in root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies
• Strong ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings and GD&T
• Hands-on experience driving manufacturability and process improvements

Core Competencies

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Ability to operate cross-functionally across technical and operational teams
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, shop-floor-driven environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in supplier development, supplier quality, or technical program management
• Familiarity with aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP)
• Experience working with OEMs or Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers preferred
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools