Work directly with suppliers where Quality or Delivery performance, or business risk demands robust action plans. Utilize expertise and a wide range of tools to identify and lead improvement actions including Problem Solving, Auditing, Material Management, and Load & Capacity planning. Support initial Supplier Site Assessments (SSA) to evaluate risk with New Suppliers prior to their addition to the Approved Supplier List (ASL). Perform capability (Product, Process, Materials Management) assessments and where necessary, Special Process Audits with key suppliers to evaluate the application of advanced quality tools, manufacturing capabilities, material management, and lean maturity. Support the development of subsequent improvement plans and coordinate milestones & completion of actions against an agreed project charter. Assess Production Rate Readiness with suppliers that are undergoing significant industrial transfers to ensure risks are understood and coordinate the timely completion of actions to eliminate supply chain disruption. Actively support supply chain cost-out projects and new product introduction by working closely with suppliers from development to production launch, ensuring compliance with requirements and coordinating on time submission of FAI's or PPAPs as required. Coach suppliers in the deployment of key business processes such as 8D Problem Solving, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), SIOP and Material Management. Monitor performance, communicate expectations, and required actions for suppliers. Support the Business as a team member of new product development teams. Function as a liaison between suppliers and internal functions/plants (Engineering, Quality, Operations etc.) to clarify requirements, facilitate communication and drive accountability for improvement actions. Develop, implement, and oversee the administration of special programs to recognize and to ensure the use of suppliers who maintain established standards of quality, reliability, and price. Work with Global Procurement Organization (GPO) and ESA Procurement as a division Quality focal point on the development of new and additional suppliers to improve supply chain resiliency, implement multi-sourcing or resourcing due to supply risk or poor supplier performance Assumes lead Quality role in supporting Supplier Development activities and Supplier onboarding Responsible for all supplier quality key metrics, maintenance and reporting Perform Supplier Capacity Assessments to assure supplier readiness for growth, based on pr Minimum five (5) years' experience in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or Quality Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution Minimum of one (1) experience developing and onboarding new suppliers Minimum one (1) year of experience with quality systems (ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015), methods and practices including APQP, FMEA, Control Plan, MSA, and PPAP Must be willing to travel up to 30% No relocation benefit is offered for this role. Only candidates residing within a 50-mile radius of Raleigh NC or Richmond, VA will be considered. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship, now or in the future. Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma Greenbelt or Blackbelt certification. Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, or related business function Project Management Institute (PMI) accreditation (PMP) or equivalent. Familiarity with quality management system controls and product development practices Collaborate with Engineering and Operations establishing and managing interactions with suppliers to develop and drive project action plans and results. A balance between strategic thinking/planning skills as well as decisiveness to achieve results. Solid communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of the organization and the ability to foster and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to articulate technical information and status regarding business bottlenecks to Stakeholders. Experience and knowledge of the roles in Supply Chain, Program Management and Supplier development. Self-motivated and ability to work independently. Up to 30% travel, including travel to CPS sites in Santa Ana, CA and Richmond, VA and to various supplier sites as required.