Supplier Development Engineer

As a Supplier Development Engineer at True Anomaly, you will play a vital role in building and sustaining a world-class supplier base capable of delivering flight-quality hardware to orbit. Reporting to the Sr Director of Supply Chain, you will support the identification, qualification, and continuous improvement of suppliers across key technical domains, ensuring they meet True Anomaly's rigorous standards for quality, cost, and schedule. This role is ideal for a technically minded engineer who thrives at the intersection of engineering and supply chain — someone who can bridge the gap between our internal engineering teams and our supplier network, and who is passionate about driving lean principles and scalable, resilient processes from the ground up.

• →Supporting and executing the supplier development lifecycle — focusing on qualification, performance management and continuous improvement — across key commodity areas including Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, and Avionics
• →Executing supplier qualification processes, including technical audits, capability assessments, and first article inspections (FAI) to ensure suppliers meet program requirements
• →Leading and facilitating lean implementation initiatives at supplier sites, including value stream mapping, waste reduction efforts, and kaizen events to improve quality, flow, and delivery performance
• →Supporting resolution of supplier-related technical and quality escapes, including root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) processes
• →Identifying and escalating supply chain risks, including single-source dependencies, long lead items, and geopolitical or regulatory exposure
• →Collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management to ensure supplier readiness aligns with program milestones and flight schedules
• →Contributing to the development and continuous improvement of supplier development processes, tools, and documentation in support of scaling the business
• →Participating in special projects and extending past written role responsibilities as needed to support the team and organization

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 4–7 years of experience in supplier development, manufacturing engineering, or supply chain engineering
• Aerospace and/or Defense industry experience
• Hands-on experience implementing lean methodologies (e.g., value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen, kanban, standard work) at supplier or manufacturing sites
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
• Experience supporting supplier audits, qualification programs, and corrective action processes
• Familiarity with AS9100, ITAR, and other aerospace quality and regulatory frameworks
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Excel, and data-driven supplier performance tools
• Willingness to travel to supplier sites as needed (estimated 30–50%)

• Space-technology supply chain or hardware development experience
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (e.g., Green Belt, Lean Practitioner) or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Experience with advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., additive manufacturing, precision machining, composite fabrication)
• Technical fluency in one or more of the following domains: Propulsion, Structures, Power Systems, or Avionics
• Experience in a high-growth startup or new space environment