Supplier Development Manager (SDM)

Role overview
Build local suppliers’ capability to manufacture flight hardware for Orbitworks. This new role combines manufacturing engineering, supplier quality and hands-on process development, with an initial focus on machined components, wire harness assemblies and structural honeycomb panel rework or modifications.
The SDM will assess suppliers on site, close manufacturing process gaps and establish repeatable qualification and development methods. The role starts as an individual contributor, working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Contracts and D2M, with potential to build a broader supplier development function over time.

What you will do:

• Assess supplier manufacturing readiness through on-site process audits, capability reviews and risk assessments.
• Work with suppliers to improve travelers, work instructions, inspection plans and process controls, including torque control, crimp validation and bonding where applicable.
• Validate machining capability, including CNC programming discipline, tooling, GD&T interpretation, surface finish, material traceability and first article inspection.
• Strengthen wire harness production through crimp and pull-test validation, routing and shielding controls, workmanship standards and manufacturing records.
• Oversee honeycomb panel rework and modifications, ensuring bonding validation, environmental controls, configuration integrity and alignment with nondestructive inspection requirements.
• Implement AS9100-aligned practices, AS9102 first article inspection, APQP and PPAP where applicable.
• Lead containment, root cause analysis and corrective action for supplier quality escapes.
• Develop supplier development roadmaps, qualification criteria and performance dashboards covering quality, delivery, FAI results, escapes and process capability.
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain to resolve technical issues and align supplier readiness with flight requirements.

Must have Qualifications:

• Flight-hardware manufacturing experience with a clear understanding of aerospace process control, documentation and traceability requirements.
• Deep machining knowledge covering CNC processes, GD&T, materials, tooling, surface finish and inspection.
• Wire harness manufacturing expertise, including crimp validation, pull testing, routing, shielding and workmanship controls.
• Proven supplier development experience with measurable improvements in capability, quality or manufacturing readiness.
• Working knowledge of AS9100-based quality systems, AS9102 first article inspection and manufacturing process validation.
• Experience leading root cause analysis, containment and corrective action using methods such as 8D or RCCA.
• Hands-on shop-floor expertise, the ability to work independently and strong communication skills to align suppliers with internal technical stakeholders.

Nice to Have:

• Honeycomb or composite structures, bonding, nondestructive inspection and controlled structural rework experience.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 certification or knowledge of certification requirements; NADCAP special process exposure.
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Lean or Six Sigma Black Belt experience.
• Experience building a supplier development function, integrating ERP/MRP systems or working with international suppliers.

Orbitworks' mission is to make space simple for organizations that want to deploy physical and virtual missions to space. Building on Loft Orbital's heritage, Orbitworks will be the first commercial firm in the United Arab Emirates to mass-manufacture satellites. Orbitworks aims to manufacture tens of satellites annually and operates out of a 50,000-square-foot facility in Abu Dhabi.