Supplier Development Manager (SDM)

Role overview

What you will do

• Assess supplier readiness through on-site process audits, capability reviews, and risk assessments.
• Improve supplier work instructions, inspection plans, and controls, including torque control, crimp validation, and bonding where applicable.
• Validate machining capability, CNC programming, tooling, GD&T, surface finish, traceability, and first article inspection.
• Strengthen wire harness production controls, testing, workmanship, and records.
• Oversee honeycomb panel rework and modifications, including bonding validation, environmental controls, configuration integrity, and nondestructive inspection alignment.
• Implement AS9100-aligned practices, AS9102 inspection, APQP, and PPAP where applicable.
• Lead containment, root cause analysis, and corrective action for supplier quality escapes.
• Develop supplier roadmaps, qualification criteria, and performance dashboards.
• Work with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve issues and align supplier readiness with flight requirements.

Must-have qualifications

• Flight-hardware manufacturing experience and understanding of aerospace process control, documentation, and traceability.
• Deep machining knowledge covering CNC, GD&T, materials, tooling, surface finish, and inspection.
• Wire harness expertise covering crimp validation, pull testing, routing, shielding, and workmanship controls.
• Proven supplier development experience with measurable capability, quality, or readiness improvements.
• Working knowledge of AS9100-based systems, AS9102 first article inspection, and process validation.
• Experience leading root cause analysis, containment, and corrective action using methods such as 8D or RCCA.
• Hands-on shop-floor expertise, independence, and strong communication with technical stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Honeycomb or composite structures, bonding, nondestructive inspection, and controlled structural rework experience.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or knowledge of its requirements; NADCAP special-process exposure.
• APQP, PPAP, Lean, or Six Sigma Black Belt experience.
• Experience building a supplier development function, integrating ERP/MRP systems, or working with international suppliers.

About Orbitworks