Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs in California
Supplier quality engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, medical devices, and automotive supply chains, with openings from entry-level quality technician roles through senior and principal engineer positions. The heaviest hiring is in San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where established employers like Lockheed Martin, Medtronic, and Qualcomm maintain large engineering and manufacturing operations. The most in-demand specialties in California are supplier auditing, AS9100 and ISO 13485 quality systems, and incoming inspection for complex manufactured components. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world's best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Astranis is building small, low-cost telecommunications satellites to connect the four billion people on Earth who currently do not have access to the internet. By owning and operating its satellites and offering them to customers as a turnkey solution, Astranis is able to provide bandwidth-as-a-service at a fraction of the cost of legacy providers, unlocking previously unreachable markets.
As a Supplier Quality Inspector, you will own your own incoming inspection station/area where you will be responsible for being the first line of defense in assuring quality of parts received at Astranis. You will work with the most cutting edge MicroGEO satellite technology and perform inspections across different commodities to verify our hardware meets the highest level of quality. The ideal candidate is self-driven, extremely detail oriented, and seeks a highly cross functional dynamic environment.
Role
- Perform receiving inspection of flight hardware against 2D Drawings and Part Specifications, as per Work Order instructions – support multiple commodities (machined parts, assemblies and systems, PCBA, and Harnesses)
- Document and manage Non-Conformances – Create Non Conformance Tickets, communicate cross-functionally, and perform Dispositions and Corrective Actions as needed
- Provide feedback to Engineering Teams ensure efficiency and feasibility of Work Order & Inspection Procedures
- Interface with Engineering and Production Teams to support and even drive resolution and correction of Non Conformances
- Inspect hardware's quality documentation like Certificates of Conformance, End Item Data Packages, and able to go online and find Technical Data Packages
- Own an Incoming Quality station – maintain standardization, cleanliness, and efficient workflow
- This role will have a "strong voice and presence" to own and lead initiatives of continuous improvement with Facilities, Production, and Engineering Teams
Requirements
- 2+ years of inspection experience in an aerospace, military or manufacturing environment
- Substantial knowledge of the control of nonconforming hardware, failure/root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action processes
- Experience reading and interpreting design drawings and CAD models
- Experience using metrology manual gauges (micrometer, height gauge, caliper, go/no-go gauges, etc.)
- Experience using microscope to visualize and photographed zoomed in defects
- Excellent communication (written and verbal), and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic, be innovative, detail oriented, possess initiative, and team oriented
- Willing and able to work overtime and/or weekends as required
Bonus
- Associate degree or higher in quality, engineering, or related field
- Knowledgeable with ISO 9001/AS9100 quality management systems
- IPC-600, 610, or 620 knowledge
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing training
Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity's reach into the solar system. Today, Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts.
Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization. Astranis has raised over $750 million from some of the world's best investors, from Andreessen Horowitz to Blackrock and Fidelity, and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Astranis is building small, low-cost telecommunications satellites to connect the four billion people on Earth who currently do not have access to the internet. By owning and operating its satellites and offering them to customers as a turnkey solution, Astranis is able to provide bandwidth-as-a-service at a fraction of the cost of legacy providers, unlocking previously unreachable markets.
As a Supplier Quality Inspector, you will own your own incoming inspection station/area where you will be responsible for being the first line of defense in assuring quality of parts received at Astranis. You will work with the most cutting edge MicroGEO satellite technology and perform inspections across different commodities to verify our hardware meets the highest level of quality. The ideal candidate is self-driven, extremely detail oriented, and seeks a highly cross functional dynamic environment.
Role
- Perform receiving inspection of flight hardware against 2D Drawings and Part Specifications, as per Work Order instructions – support multiple commodities (machined parts, assemblies and systems, PCBA, and Harnesses)
- Document and manage Non-Conformances – Create Non Conformance Tickets, communicate cross-functionally, and perform Dispositions and Corrective Actions as needed
- Provide feedback to Engineering Teams ensure efficiency and feasibility of Work Order & Inspection Procedures
- Interface with Engineering and Production Teams to support and even drive resolution and correction of Non Conformances
- Inspect hardware's quality documentation like Certificates of Conformance, End Item Data Packages, and able to go online and find Technical Data Packages
- Own an Incoming Quality station – maintain standardization, cleanliness, and efficient workflow
- This role will have a "strong voice and presence" to own and lead initiatives of continuous improvement with Facilities, Production, and Engineering Teams
Requirements
- 2+ years of inspection experience in an aerospace, military or manufacturing environment
- Substantial knowledge of the control of nonconforming hardware, failure/root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action processes
- Experience reading and interpreting design drawings and CAD models
- Experience using metrology manual gauges (micrometer, height gauge, caliper, go/no-go gauges, etc.)
- Experience using microscope to visualize and photographed zoomed in defects
- Excellent communication (written and verbal), and teamwork skills
- Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic, be innovative, detail oriented, possess initiative, and team oriented
- Willing and able to work overtime and/or weekends as required
Bonus
- Associate degree or higher in quality, engineering, or related field
- Knowledgeable with ISO 9001/AS9100 quality management systems
- IPC-600, 610, or 620 knowledge
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing training
See All 73 Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs in California
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Find JobsSupplier Quality Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Supplier Quality Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Aerospace & Defense
- Technology & Software
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in supplier quality engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, or a related technical discipline
- Experience conducting supplier audits and corrective action processes (CAPA, 8D)
- Proficiency with quality management systems such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or ISO 13485
- Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and control plan documentation
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP) preferred
Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a supplier quality engineer in California?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering is the standard entry point for supplier quality engineer roles in California. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but many employers expect familiarity with aerospace or medical device standards given the state's dominant industries. Earning an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer credential strengthens candidacy, and candidates targeting aerospace roles should build familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems early.
How much do supplier quality engineers make in California?
Supplier quality engineers in California earn a median of about $124,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,900 for the lowest 10% to over $172,870 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire supplier quality engineers in California?
Employers hiring supplier quality engineers in California right now include Katalyst Healthcares & Life Sciences, Skydio, and AeroVironment, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, medical device manufacturers, and semiconductor firms means ongoing demand across both large corporations and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most supplier quality engineer jobs?
Fremont, San Jose, and San Diego have the most supplier quality engineer openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego anchor the aerospace and defense supply chains that drive the bulk of these roles, while San Jose reflects Silicon Valley's dense cluster of semiconductor and electronics manufacturers that rely on supplier quality functions to manage complex global component sourcing.
Are there remote supplier quality engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 22% of supplier quality engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how hands-on the role typically is. Supplier quality engineers routinely visit production sites and supplier facilities to perform audits and inspect components, which limits full remote arrangements. Documentation-heavy functions like supplier performance reporting and PPAP review are the parts most commonly done off-site.
How can I get hired as a supplier quality engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a quality technician or quality inspector in a California manufacturing environment, then moving into supplier-facing responsibilities. Large California aerospace and defense employers like Northrop Grumman and Raytheon run structured rotational engineering programs that place new graduates in quality functions. Adjacent roles in receiving inspection, manufacturing engineering, or production quality at medical device companies in Orange County or the San Diego biotech corridor are also common stepping stones. An ASQ Certified Quality Inspector credential gives early-career candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to supplier quality engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to supplier quality engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, medical devices, semiconductor, and automotive sectors. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 73 Supplier Quality Engineer Jobs in California
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