Supplier Quality Specialist

Located in Wimborne, Dorset, Eaton's Aerospace division is a global leader in aerospace fuel systems, renowned for delivering fully integrated solutions for both fixed and rotary‑wing aircraft. Our Wimborne facility specialises in cutting‑edge air‑to‑air refuelling systems, advanced refuelling probes, air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground launch systems utilising both pneumatic and pyrotechnic ejection technologies, as well as a range of Defensive Aids Sub‑Systems.

With over 80 years of industry experience, we are recognised as the world’s leading provider of air‑to‑air refuelling systems, offering fifth‑generation solutions to Air Forces worldwide. Our legacy of innovation and technical excellence sets us apart as the most advanced air‑to‑air refuelling supplier on the global stage.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for improving Supplier Quality performance, driving root cause analysis and the ongoing development of increased supplier capability.
• Establishing supplier approval systems, conducting audits and ensuring adherence to Quality Management System requirements.
• Establish quality standards for suppliers who are providing materials per specifications.
• Evaluate and select suppliers based on their ability to meet product and schedule requirements.
• Develop and implement supplier quality evaluation and control systems.
• Conduct supplier assessments to drive process standardisation, waste elimination, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor, communicate and improve key supply chain KPIs, including Defects Per Million (DPPM) and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to resolve supplier quality issues.
• Collaborate with supplier representatives on quality problems, ensure corrective actions are implemented and contribute to supplier quality improvement programmes.
• Manage and maintain supplier performance metrics, assessment, and certification programmes.
• Train suppliers to execute specific quality system processes.
• Coordinate with engineering and procurement teams to ensure supplier compliance with contractual requirements.
• Ensure Quality Assurance for new and existing suppliers including audits, source inspections, First Article Inspection sign‑off and change control process management.
• Ensure best practice is adopted within the supply chain to ensure highest levels of product integrity.

Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years experience working in a supply chain organization - Preferred.

Skills

• Previous experience as a supplier quality engineer or supplier developer within a technology company (ideally mechanical/aerospace) – Preferred.
• Proven experience of driving root cause with Suppliers.
• Understanding of key aerospace Quality Standards such as AS/EN 9100 and NADCAP advantageous.
• Good technical engineering knowledge and ability to read engineering drawings.
• Self‑starter with a desire for problem solving and process improvement.
• Attention to detail and methodical approach.
• Professional conduct and good communication skills to influence both internally and externally.
• Working in Teams Business Operations, Systems and Processes Managing Project.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for job applicants and employees. Our recruitment processes use balanced selection criteria and avoid unlawful discrimination against applicants on the basis of their age, colour, disability, marital status, national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, race or racial origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other status protected or required by law.

The successful applicant will be in contact with US ITAR controlled technology, goods, and information. As a condition of employment, employees with access to US ITAR controlled technology and goods may be required to undergo an additional screening process as part of the recruitment process.