Supplier Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

Location:

On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Position Overview:

BWXT Enrichment Operations is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) to support the Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility (CMDF). This position is responsible for developing and maintaining a qualified supplier network capable of supporting prototype development, manufacturing readiness, and future production operations.

The Supplier Quality Engineer will serve as the primary quality interface between BWXT EO and external suppliers, ensuring purchased materials, components, and services meet technical, quality, schedule, and readiness requirements. The role focuses on supplier qualification, supplier audits, supplier development, source inspection planning, and supplier readiness activities that support the transition of centrifuge technology from development to commercial manufacturing.

The successful candidate will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Quality organizations to identify supplier risks, improve supplier performance, and establish a robust supply chain capable of supporting future manufacturing scale-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads supplier qualification and approval activities.
• Evaluates supplier quality systems, technical capabilities, manufacturing processes, and capacity.
• Conducts supplier risk assessments and determine appropriate supplier classifications.
• Supports maintenance of the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
• Reviews supplier quality documentation and certifications.

• Plans and conducts supplier quality audits and assessments.
• Evaluates supplier compliance with quality requirements and contractual obligations.
• Documents audit findings and verify corrective action implementation.
• Supports risk-based supplier surveillance activities.
• Assesses supplier readiness for prototype and production support.

• Partners with suppliers to improve quality, delivery, and process capability.
• Facilitates supplier corrective actions and root cause investigations.
• Assists suppliers in implementing process controls and quality improvements.
• Supports development of strategic supplier relationships.
• Identifies and mitigates supplier performance risks.

• Develops source inspection strategies for critical suppliers and components.
• Coordinates source inspections and supplier witness points.
• Verifies compliance with technical and quality requirements prior to shipment.
• Supports First Article Inspection (FAI) activities performed at supplier locations.

• Assesses supplier readiness for new product introductions and manufacturing scale-up.
• Evaluates supplier capacity, staffing, equipment, and process maturity.
• Supports Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRR) and Technology Transfer Reviews (TTR).
• Identifies supply chain risks affecting program milestones and production readiness.

• Develops and maintains supplier scorecards.
• Monitors supplier quality, delivery, responsiveness, and performance trends.
• Analyzes supplier performance data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Escalates significant supplier risks and performance concerns.

• Collaborates with Engineering on supplier technical evaluations.
• Supports Manufacturing with supplier-related quality issues.
• Partners with Supply Chain on sourcing decisions and supplier selection.
• Supports Configuration Management and Engineering Change activities impacting suppliers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related technical discipline (or 8 years experience in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree).
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, Quality Engineering, or Supply Chain Quality.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a D.O.E. security clearance.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and supplier evaluations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in: Supplier Qualification, Supplier Auditing, Corrective Action Management, Root Cause Analysis, Risk Assessments, Supplier Development, Supplier Scorecards, First Article Inspection (FAI), Process Validation, Quality Systems

• Strong communication, technical credibility, and the ability to influence without authority

• Systems thinking, sound judgment, collaborative problem solving, and a continuous improvement mindset

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, medical device, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
• ASQ Certified Supplier Quality Professional (CSQP).
• Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience supporting prototype-to-production transitions.
• Experience with precision machining, fabrication, or complex manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with ISO,9001, NQA-1, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience with the following is highly desirable: ISO 9001, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Process Capability Analysis (Cp/Cpk), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), ERP/MRP Systems, Power BI or Similar Analytics Tools

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Supplier Defect Rate
• Supplier Nonconformance Trends
• Supplier Corrective Action Closure

• Supplier On-Time Delivery (OTD)
• Supplier Schedule Performance

• Qualification Completion
• Audit Completion
• Readiness Assessment Completion

• Improvement Plan Completion
• Supplier Performance Improvement
• Reduction in Supplier-Generated NCRs

• Supplier Risk Identification
• Risk Mitigation Effectiveness
• Strategic Supplier Stability

Why Join BWXT EO

This position offers a unique opportunity to help establish the supplier quality and supply chain foundation for the next generation of enrichment technology. The Supplier Quality Engineer will play a key role in developing a high-performing supplier network capable of supporting prototype development, manufacturing readiness, and future commercial-scale production operations.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $76,000 - $119,000

The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $76,000 and $119,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols.  As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensu