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Apex manufactures satellite buses at scale for the commercial space industry, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware-optimized manufacturing. The company enables earth observation, communications, and other space-based applications as launch costs decrease and payload demand increases.
You will lead the Supplier Quality organization within the Supply Chain team as a senior director responsible for quality, reliability, and continuous improvement across the supplier base during rapid production scaling. This is a strategic and operational role requiring both high-level thinking and hands-on discipline, with direct impact on production flow, quality, and cost efficiency.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and develop the supplier quality team (managers, leads, Supplier Quality Engineers), build organizational structure, and execute hiring plans to support growth
- Set supplier quality strategy and own results, supporting production rate increases, cost reduction, and new product introductions
- Own supplier buyoff, incoming inspection, and material review processes to ensure conforming product reaches production
- Define supplier quality metrics, dashboards, and goals; drive continuous improvement from trend analysis
- Own supplier audit and qualification programs, including quality system assessments and product qualification
- Establish approach for first article inspections, PPAPs, and new supplier/material qualification in partnership with Engineering and Quality
- Lead structured root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action on supplier non-conformances; manage escalations on critical or recurring issues
- Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Production, and Program leadership to resolve quality issues impacting delivery, performance, or compliance
- Lead supplier performance management via scorecards and regular reviews; drive improvement plans with underperforming suppliers
- Collaborate with Sourcing on supplier selection, development, and decisions to expand, reduce, or exit suppliers
- Ensure supplier compliance with industry standards (ISO 9001, AS9100) and regulatory requirements (ITAR, FAR)
- Manage supplier quality budget and headcount planning
- Represent Supplier Quality to Apex leadership with clear insight into supplier readiness, risks, and opportunities
- Travel up to 25% to visit suppliers and support off-site operations
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field
- 15+ years of experience in Supply Chain or Supplier Quality
- 5+ years leading teams in Supplier Quality, including experience managing managers or team leads
- Experience building and scaling a supplier quality organization, including hiring and developing teams
- Proven expertise in supplier quality management (RCCA, CAPA, audits, inspection)
- Strong foundation in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and supplier performance improvement
- Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and procurement tools
- Track record of supporting production ramp-ups and new product launches
- Ability to operate with urgency, autonomy, and accountability in fast-paced production environment
- Strong analytical and communication skills, including presenting to executives and supplier leadership; continuous improvement mindset
- Must be a U.S. Person (citizen or permanent resident) per ITAR regulations
Preferred:
- Aerospace or automotive experience
- Flight hardware or satellite manufacturing experience
- AS9100 lead auditor or ASQ certification (CQE, CMQ/OE, CSQP)
