Supplier Quality Engineer

RIX Industries is a technology-focused company specializing in the design, development and manufacturing of gas generation systems, precision compressor solutions, and cryogenic cooling technologies for critical applications in Marine, Aerospace, Land, Energy, Industrial, Medical, and Critical Infrastructure markets. Founded in 1878, the company is headquartered in Benicia, CA, and operates additional facilities in Sparks, NV.

Position Summary

The Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring suppliers meet RIX Industries’ quality, technical, and delivery requirements. This position works closely with suppliers and internal teams to improve supplier processes, prevent and resolve quality issues, lead root cause and corrective actions, and support supplier qualification and performance. The role also supports the RIX Quality Management System and continuous improvement initiatives and may require up to 50% travel to supplier locations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, qualify, and develop suppliers to ensure their processes and products meet RIX quality, technical, delivery, and contractual requirements.
• Participate in supplier selection and source qualification activities in partnership with Supply Chain, Engineering, and other applicable functions.
• Establish and communicate applicable quality requirements and supplier quality flow-down requirements.
• Conduct supplier audits, assessments, source inspections, and process reviews.
• Monitor and analyze supplier quality and delivery performance using established metrics and key performance indicators.
• Identify supplier performance trends and proactively address quality, process, and delivery risks.

• Lead supplier-related root cause investigations and corrective and preventive actions.
• Issue and manage supplier corrective action requests and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.

• Partner with suppliers to develop and improve manufacturing, inspection, testing, and quality processes.
• Conduct supplier process development activities to improve delivered quality, process capability, and on-time delivery.
• Review supplier First Article Inspection documentation and conduct or support First Article Inspections as required.
• Review and disposition supplier-related nonconforming material in collaboration with Engineering and other appropriate functions.
• Review drawings, specifications, test procedures, work instructions, and contractual requirements to ensure appropriate supplier quality requirements are identified and communicated.
• Support contract review to identify quality, testing, inspection, documentation, and workmanship requirements affecting suppliers.
• Work with Engineering and Manufacturing to identify supplier-related risks during the transition of designs into production.
• Promote supplier manufacturing and process improvements, including improvements to equipment, tooling, fixtures, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Support resolution of supplier-related production issues and coordinate containment activities when necessary.
• Conduct source inspections and product acceptance activities at supplier facilities when required.
• Support customer and DCMA inspections or product acceptance activities when applicable.
• Maintain appropriate supplier quality records, documentation, metrics, and reporting.
• Support internal and external audits and contribute to the continued development and maintenance of the RIX Quality Management System.
• Provide technical quality support to Quality Inspectors and other RIX personnel regarding supplier-produced materials and components.
• Develop and deliver supplier quality or quality-system training when appropriate.
• Promote continuous improvement throughout the RIX supply chain.
• All other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, quality engineering, or a related technical quality function.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, codes, and technical requirements.
• Working knowledge of ASME Y14 drawing standards and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, inspection methods, and process controls.
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Knowledge of Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and other quality risk-management tools.
• Experience evaluating manufacturing processes and identifying opportunities for quality and process improvement. Experience working within an AS9100, ISO 9001, or similarly regulated quality management system.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and supplier process assessments.
• Experience with First Article Inspection requirements and documentation.
• Knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to analyze supplier quality and performance data, identify trends, and develop appropriate corrective actions.
• Project management and organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple supplier issues and improvement projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical and quality requirements effectively with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively across Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, and other functional areas.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of scheduled work time for supplier qualification, development, audits, inspections, and corrective-action activities.
• Valid driver's license.
• U.S. Citizen or qualified U.S. Person in accordance with applicable export-control requirements. Position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP), or equivalent quality certification.

Physical Requirements

1. Must have the following physical abilities:

• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, stretch, reach, and lift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a desk or table as well as machine tools or printers.

Work Environment

Office

Compensation

$90,000 + DOE

Equal Opportunity

RIX Industries is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with RIX Industries, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).