Supplier Development Manager - Aerospace Flight Hardware

About the role

Loft Orbital is hiring a Supplier Development Manager in Abu Dhabi to build local suppliers' capability to manufacture flight hardware for Orbitworks, which aims to mass-produce satellites. The role combines manufacturing engineering, supplier quality and hands-on process development, starting as an individual contributor and working with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Contracts and D2M.

Key responsibilities

• Assess supplier manufacturing readiness through on-site process audits, capability reviews and risk assessments.
• Work with suppliers to improve work instructions, inspection plans and process controls, including torque control, crimp validation and bonding.
• 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 and manufacturing records.
• Oversee honeycomb panel rework and modifications, including bonding validation, environmental controls 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.

Required profile

• Flight-hardware manufacturing experience with a clear understanding of aerospace process control, documentation and traceability.
• Proven supplier development experience with measurable improvements in capability, quality or manufacturing readiness.
• Hands-on shop-floor expertise, independent work and strong communication skills.

Required skills

• Deep machining knowledge: CNC, GD&T, tooling, surface finish, materials and inspection.
• Wire harness manufacturing: crimp validation, pull testing, routing, shielding and workmanship controls.
• AS9100, AS9102, 8D or RCCA root cause analysis.
• Nice to have: honeycomb/composite structures, bonding, NADCAP, IPC/WHMA-A-620, APQP, PPAP, Lean or Six Sigma Black Belt, ERP/MRP experience.