Supplier Quality Engineer

About Us
Hartzell Propeller, founded in 1917 and headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, is the global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing for general aviation. The company supports piston-engine and turboprop aircraft while developing custom propulsion solutions for electric, hybrid-electric, and advanced air mobility applications. Hartzell has strategically expanded its product portfolio through the acquisitions of Tanis Aircraft Products in 2021, Reiff Preheat Systems in 2024, and WhirlWind Propellers in 2024, strengthening its presence in aircraft preheating and experimental aviation markets. The company has also significantly expanded its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities through the acquisition of 11 facilities across North America and Europe, establishing Hartzell Global Services as a comprehensive network of aviation service centers.
About Signia Aerospace
Hartzell Propeller is part of Signia Aerospace. Signia Aerospace is built on decades of proven performance and partnership in the aircraft systems industry. The proven brands that operate under the Signia Aerospace ecosystem lead the field in thermal management and mission-specific equipment. They are the brands of choice for pilots, maintenance directors, ground crews, and supply chain professionals worldwide, in commercial, private, and military applications. Our depth of expertise and unique pool of resources allows us to act as an integrated, nimble partner in the design, manufacture, delivery, and service of highly specialized aircraft systems and components.
Our Culture
We are a team that prides ourselves on a culture that supports shared values of empowerment, accountability, drive, integrity, and respect. Our team shares a deep commitment to safety and collaboration. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and professional growth including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance, 401(K) plans with employer match, company provided Growth Participation Units (GPU) and so much more.
Our GPU benefit is unique to the industry and encourages all employees to think like owners and receive future financial reward for contributions to business growth.  Join our team to be part of a culture that encourages growth and development and celebrates our success.

Key Responsibilities:
Hartzell Propeller is seeking an analytical, technically proficient, detail-oriented, and self-motivated Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to join our Supply Chain team. The SQE serves as the primary technical quality liaison between Hartzell and assigned suppliers, ensuring compliance with company, customer, industry, and regulatory requirements while improving supplier capability and performance.
This role leads supplier assessments, audits, root cause investigations, corrective actions, qualification activities, and development initiatives. The SQE works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Support, Sales, and Service Center teams to reduce risk, support new product introduction, and strengthen quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost competitiveness across the supply base.
All roles at Signia are expected to support the company’s operating model (SOAR) and contribute to the organization’s business value drivers, Profitable New Business, Productivity, Precision M&A, and Value-Based Pricing, through operational excellence, continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer focus.
Requirements
Key Deliverables of the Position
· Drive measurable reduction in supplier non-conformances, scrap, and recurring defects through effective root cause analysis, corrective action, and defect-prevention methods.
· Manage supplier quality relationships, including qualification, approval, onboarding, performance monitoring, development, and escalation of quality concerns.
· Conduct supplier quality system, process, product, and special-process audits to verify compliance with Hartzell, AS9100, FAA, customer, and other applicable requirements.
· Monitor supplier quality and delivery metrics, analyze performance trends, and implement improvement or risk-mitigation plans when performance does not meet expectations.
· Lead implementation of quality requirements within assigned commodity strategies while supporting supplier capability, operational reliability, and total-cost improvement.
· Partner with suppliers to develop and maintain process plans, control plans, PFMEAs, inspection strategies, and other quality-planning documentation for new and existing products.
· Define documentation, inspection, validation, and acceptance requirements; provide technical support to Receiving Inspection, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams.
· Participate in new product development and supplier onboarding to establish robust manufacturing and quality processes before production release.
· Train and support inspectors on supplier quality requirements, inspection methods, and acceptance criteria.
· Communicate supplier risks, corrective-action status, and improvement recommendations clearly and promptly to internal stakeholders and supplier leadership.
· Travel domestically and internationally to conduct audits, support supplier development, and resolve quality concerns.

Education and Experience
· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related technical discipline preferred.
· Three to five years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
· Aerospace or other highly regulated industry experience is beneficial.

Technical Competencies
1) Working knowledge of quality management systems such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949.
2) Experience with manufacturing processes, special processes, supplier quality systems, and supplier or process audits.
3) Proficiency with root cause analysis, corrective action, FMEA, SPC, control plans, statistical sampling, process capability, and data analysis.
4) Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
5) Strong technical writing, communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
6) Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
7) Excellent Communication Skills – both verbal and written

Preferred Qualifications
· Familiarity with NADCAP requirements and special processes such as heat treating, welding, chemical processing, and non-destructive testing.
· Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
· ASQ certification such as CQE, CQA, or CMQ/OE, or an equivalent professional quality certification.

Behavioral Competencies – Demonstrates behaviors consistent with our values
1) Thinks and acts like an owner
o Uses company resources wisely & cost-effectively
o Shows pride in the organization and a commitment to its long-term success
o Takes full responsibility for their actions
o Holds self to high standards of performance and integrity
2) Demonstrates high integrity
o Consistently acts with honestly, transparency and high ethics
o Makes decisions based on what is morally right
o Owns their actions and holds self-accountable
3) Puts team above self; in it together
o Prioritizes team and company over personal gain
o Collaborates with team members within the department and across all functions
Contributes to a positive, inclusive work environment
4) Innovates and improves
o Actively supports or initiates continuous improvement efforts
o Shares ideas and suggests solutions that enhance team or business performance
o Stays open to feedback and embraces changes
o Demonstrates a bias towards action
5) Honors commitments
o Consistently follows through on project timelines, meeting and deliverables
o Takes ownership for responsibilities and delivers results
o Makes and holds commitment
o Communicates proactively when challenges arise and adjusts plans to stay on track

Hartzell Propeller has a pre-employment and random Federal Drug & Alcohol Testing requirement and tests for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines and phencyclidine in addition to alcohol.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability/E-Verify