Supplier Quality Engineer - Composites

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing defense autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations for the Department of Defense (DoD) through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Job OverviewThe Supplier Quality Engineer (Composites) is responsible for ensuring that composite hulls, structures, and components produced by suppliers meet Saronic’s quality, performance, and durability requirements. This role focuses on open-mold and closed-mold (e.g., hand layup, spray-up, vacuum infusion) composite manufacturing processes used in marine environments. The engineer will drive supplier quality performance, conduct audits and inspections, resolve nonconformance's, and implement data-driven improvements across the supply chain. Collaboration with internal teams, including design, engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain, is essential to maintain high standards of workmanship and material integrity for mission-critical maritime systems.

Responsibilities

• Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions
• Investigate supplier nonconformance's such as voids, delamination, resin-rich/lean areas, cosmetic defects, or dimensional deviations. Lead structured problem-solving using methods such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and FMEA to identify root causes and drive effective corrective and preventive actions. Verify corrective action effectiveness through follow-up inspections and process audits.
• Technical Quality Control
• Validate and monitor supplier processes for composite part fabrication, including:
• Mold preparation, release application, and surface integrity
• Gelcoat and laminate layup consistency (resin-to-fiber ratios, air entrapment control)
• Curing, demolding, trimming, and finishing
• Bonding and secondary assembly operations
• Dimensional and visual inspections (surface finish, thickness, weight verification) Implement and monitor key process metrics using statistical process control (SPC)
• or capability studies. Ensure supplier adherence to Saronic workmanship and composite quality standards.
• Supplier Quality Assurance (Audits & Assessments)
• Plan and conduct supplier quality audits and process assessments for composite manufacturing operations. Evaluate compliance with relevant quality management standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and marine composite best practices. Track supplier performance via scorecards (defect rates, on-time delivery, rework trends) and partner with suppliers to close quality gaps. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and verify corrective action completion.
• Quality Documentation and Reporting 
• Maintain detailed records of supplier audits, inspection results, corrective actions, and quality trends. Develop and deliver regular reports on supplier quality metrics and improvement status to management and cross-functional teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with engineering, procurement, and production teams to ensure material specifications, design requirements, and supplier capabilities are aligned. Provide technical guidance on composite layup strategies, bonding processes, and finishing methods. Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and quality (DFQ) reviews. Train internal and supplier personnel on composite quality standards, inspection techniques, and defect prevention.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives
• Lead or support Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen projects targeting improved composite process repeatability, reduced scrap, and enhanced material utilization. Collaborate with suppliers to implement standard work, visual controls, and other improved processes.
• Risk Management and Compliance
• Identify potential risks in supplier quality or process capability and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure supplier adherence to Saronic’s material qualification, traceability, and documentation standards. Support compliance with applicable defense and marine quality requirements.
• New Supplier Qualification
• Participate in the evaluation and qualification of new composite suppliers. Review manufacturing readiness, process control, material handling, and quality management systems. Conduct audits and first article inspections to ensure new suppliers meet Saronic’s standards for consistency, repeatability, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience in supplier quality, composites manufacturing, or marine production.
• Strong understanding of open-mold composite manufacturing methods (hand layup, spray-up, vacuum infusion).
• Familiarity with marine composit