Supplier Quality Development Engineer (all genders)

About Us STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost-effective — providing operators with a decisive edge in contested environments. We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems — not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe, today. About the team You will be part of a proactive Supply Chain Quality team dedicated entirely to the prevention side of defect management. Working alongside Advanced Quality Planners and assessing SQEs, this collaborative group prepares robust manufacturing processes and drives the final supplier buyoffs to ensure flawless production readiness. Your mission As a Supplier Quality Development Engineer, you are the driving force behind elevating our external manufacturing partners in a high-stakes defense environment. Taking over after initial assessments, your primary mission is to help suppliers close capability gaps to meet our rigorous technical specifications. When non-conformances arise, you lead deep-dive root cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions. Ultimately, you act as a technical coach who bridges engineering intent with supply chain execution to ensure zero-defect serial production. Responsibilities • Execute targeted action plans to close post-assessment capability gaps, coaching suppliers to output robust, defense-compliant Control Plans. • Define and document clear, measurable defect criteria in collaboration with internal Design and suppliers to eliminate standard ambiguities missed during initial project planning. • Drive First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP) to validate that suppliers can physically execute complex engineering drawings and GD&T requirements in mass production. • Coordinate immediate containment of defective components to shield internal production lines, and guide suppliers through structured 8D root-cause analysis to deliver verified Corrective Action Reports (SCARs). • Navigate supplier non-conformances through strategic escalation levels, balancing firm accountability with diplomatic relationship management to prevent supplier withdrawal or less outputs. • Translate supplier manufacturability constraints into actionable feedback for internal Design teams, while monitoring Defect Rate/PPM metrics to launch targeted continuous improvement projects. Qualifications • Technical degree or equivalent technical knowledge in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, combined with 3–5 years of experience in Supplier Quality Development or manufacturing engineering. • Expertise in structured root cause analysis and quality tools (8D, SCARs, 5-Why, Fishbone) to permanently resolve complex supplier defects. • A "detective" mindset to challenge superficial 8D responses, coupled with the diplomatic assertiveness to hold suppliers strictly accountable while actively coaching them to technical success. • Hands-on experience utilizing ERP/QMS systems to track supplier performance metrics, manage SCAR workflows, and digitally isolate non-conforming stock. • Willingness to travel regularly (domestically and internationally) to supplier sites for gap-closure projects, audits, and hands-on problem-solving workshops. • Proficient written and spoken English and German for managing and negotiating with international and local supply chain partners. Nice to have • Direct, hands-on experience working within the high-stakes Defense, Aerospace, or Automotive sectors. • Solid working knowledge of part qualification processes (FAI, PPAP/APQP) and a comfortable ability to read and navigate engineering drawings and GD&T. • Experience implementing advanced industry standards, specifically integrating NATO AQAP or Aerospace (EN 9100/AS9100) traceability and quality requirements into supplier control plans. • Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally, acting as the bridge to align internal Engineering expectations with the actual capabilities of external suppliers.