Supplier Quality Engineer - Composites at Saronic

Austin, Texas, United States

Saronic Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Defense, Maritime, AerospaceIndustries

Requirements

  • Expertise in open-mold and closed-mold composite manufacturing processes (e.g., hand layup, spray-up, vacuum infusion) for marine environments
  • Knowledge of composite quality issues (e.g., voids, delamination, resin-rich/lean areas, cosmetic defects, dimensional deviations)
  • Proficiency in structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, FMEA)
  • Experience with statistical process control (SPC), capability studies, and key process metrics
  • Familiarity with quality management standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and marine composite best practices
  • Ability to conduct supplier quality audits, process assessments, and performance tracking via scorecards
  • Skills in maintaining quality documentation, reporting, and data-driven improvements
  • Capability for cross-functional collaboration with engineering, procurement, production, design, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams
  • Experience in design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for quality (DFQ) reviews
  • Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, standard work, visual controls, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Understanding of risk management, material qualification, traceability, and compliance with defense/marine quality requirements
  • Participation in new supplier qualification processes

Responsibilities

  • Investigate supplier nonconformances, lead root cause analysis using structured methods, and implement/verify corrective and preventive actions
  • Validate and monitor supplier processes for composite fabrication (mold preparation, gelcoat/laminate layup, curing, demolding, trimming, finishing, bonding, inspections)
  • Implement and monitor key process metrics using SPC or capability studies; ensure adherence to workmanship and quality standards
  • Plan and conduct supplier quality audits and process assessments; evaluate compliance and track performance via scorecards
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives and verify corrective action completion with suppliers
  • Maintain records of audits, inspections, corrective actions, and trends; develop and deliver reports on quality metrics to management and teams
  • Collaborate with internal teams to align specifications, requirements, and capabilities; provide technical guidance on composites; support DFM/DFQ reviews
  • Train internal and supplier personnel on quality standards, inspection techniques, and defect prevention
  • Lead/support Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen projects for process repeatability, scrap reduction, and material utilization
  • Identify risks in supplier quality/processes and develop mitigation strategies; ensure adherence to material qualification, traceability, and documentation standards
  • Support compliance with defense and marine quality requirements
  • Participate in new supplier qualification

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

CompositesHand LayupSpray-upVacuum InfusionRoot Cause Analysis8D5 WhysFishbone DiagramsFMEAStatistical Process ControlSPCSupplier AuditsQuality InspectionsNonconformance Resolution

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the main responsibilities of the Supplier Quality Engineer role?

The role involves investigating supplier nonconformances, validating composite manufacturing processes like mold preparation and laminate layup, conducting supplier audits, maintaining quality documentation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

What skills or experience are needed for composite quality control in this position?

Experience with open-mold and closed-mold composite processes (hand layup, spray-up, vacuum infusion), root cause analysis methods like 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, FMEA, statistical process control (SPC), and supplier audits for standards like ISO 9001 and AS9100 is required.

Is this a remote position or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of collaboration is expected in this role?

The role requires close collaboration with internal teams including design, engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain to maintain high standards.

Saronic

Develops advanced autonomous surface vessels

About Saronic

Saronic Technologies develops Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) that enhance the capabilities of naval and maritime forces. These vessels utilize adaptive path planning, passive sensors, and advanced algorithms, along with edge computing, to effectively identify and track targets. They are designed to operate in challenging environments, using resilient multichannel communications to support both manned and unmanned operations. Saronic Technologies differentiates itself by focusing on military and defense clients, aiming to improve situational awareness, extend operational reach, and enhance survivability during maritime missions. The company's goal is to provide solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing operational strategies or support new maritime tactics, generating revenue through the sale of ASVs and related customization services.

Austin, TexasHeadquarters
2022Year Founded
$223.7MTotal Funding
SERIES_BCompany Stage
DefenseIndustries
201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
Stock Options
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance

Risks

Increased competition from other defense tech startups threatens Saronic's market share.
Rapid AI advancements may require costly updates to maintain competitive ASV systems.
Geopolitical tensions could hinder international collaborations and foreign government sales.

Differentiation

Saronic integrates AI, hardware, and software into scalable, fully integrated maritime platforms.
Their ASVs feature adaptive path planning and advanced algorithms for effective target tracking.
Saronic's multichannel communications enable seamless manned-unmanned teaming in contested environments.

Upsides

Raised $175M in Series B funding, reaching a $1 billion valuation in 2024.
Growing demand for autonomous vessels in defense and commercial sectors boosts market potential.
AI integration in ASVs enhances decision-making and operational efficiency for maritime missions.

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