Opportunity

Senior SQE at Axon - Grow Your Quality Engineering Career in Columbus

Location Columbus
Company Axon
Source jobicy
Posted 2026-09-01 14:35:23

Career & Market Insight

This is a senior individual contributor role at Axon (a publicly traded US company, ~$2B+ revenue), embedded in their global supply chain quality function. The 10-year minimum experience requirement signals this is not an entry-level position — Axon is looking for a seasoned quality engineer who can operate independently with suppliers.

Career development value:

  • Exposure to a high-profile US tech/defense-adjacent company's supply chain, which is a strong résumé differentiator in the Vietnam manufacturing ecosystem.
  • Deepening expertise in NPI quality, PPAP/PFMEA methodologies, and supplier auditing — skills in high demand as global manufacturers continue shifting supply chains to Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
  • Cross-functional collaboration with Design Engineering and Program Management builds breadth beyond pure QA roles.

Compensation context: No salary is listed, which is a mild red flag for transparency. For a senior SQE role in Vietnam with a US employer, market benchmarks typically range from $2,500–$5,000/month USD depending on experience — significantly above local Vietnamese manufacturing QA salaries. Candidates should negotiate firmly given the 10-year requirement.

Work-life balance signals: The 80% travel requirement is a significant lifestyle consideration and a potential burnout risk. This suits someone who thrives on factory-floor problem solving but may not suit those seeking stability. The role reports to a Supplier Quality Manager, suggesting a structured team environment rather than a startup flat structure.

Green flag: Axon's growth trajectory and mission make it a strong brand employer. Red flag: Heavy travel demand and no stated compensation range.

Join Axon and be a Force for Good.

At Axon, we're on a mission to Protect Life. We're explorers, pursuing society's most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.

Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you'll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.

Your Impact

As Axon's Senior Supplier Quality Engineer I, you will be responsible for providing Quality Engineering support for all Axon products including Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEW), Cartridges, Body Worn Cameras and accessories. You will work with suppliers in cooperation with Axon Design Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain. Other significant impacts include collaborating on the selection of qualified suppliers, leading efforts to quantify and improve supplier performance, and providing a positive impact on the quality of new and existing products through a global footprint.

What You'll Do

Location: Remote in Vietnam (open for candidates from Hanoi / Bac Ninh / Hai Phong / HCM) at our APAC supplier factories with travel up to 80%

Reports to: Supplier Quality Manager

  • New supplier assessment and supplier audit. Engage in selection and evaluation activities of new potential suppliers and conduct onsite auditing to assess quality and/or process-related requirements. Audit supplier critical manufacturing & inspection processes, policies and procedures to ensure performance and quality standards conform to established Axon Quality requirements.
  • Ensure New Product Introduction (NPI) takes place in accordance with criteria and inspection plans set up and managed by Axon Program Management, Design and Quality. Review product validation with supplier NPI yield, Jira ticket, OQC, FAIR/PPAP, DFM/DFx, PFMEA and Quality Control Plan (QCP).
  • Working in close collaboration with supplier partners, facilitate the development and maintenance of PFMEA to quantify supplier process risks and design processes to prevent the production of defects. Effect robust assembly operations and manufacturing processes through manufacturability assessment and error-proofing methods to prevent operator errors.
  • Assess supplier inspection capabilities onsite as needed (IQC/OQC/IPQC); assist in generating appropriate inspection plans and evaluate any inspection and process capability studies provided by suppliers (Cpk, Ppk, Gage R&R).
  • Set up quality goals and quality improvement projects, monitor yield rate at suppliers, and drive suppliers to produce high quality parts consistently with yield improvement month to month.
  • Continuously monitor supplier quality performance and facilitate periodic quality/business reviews to drive continual improvements in DPPM, NCMRs and SCARs. Develop, implement, and monitor supplier quality improvement initiatives, including supplier performance management forums, supplier certification, process improvements, cost reduction, and continuing assessment and process audits of suppliers.
  • Through Quality Control Planning, ensure Critical to Quality (CTQ) product characteristics and key process parameters within the supplier's manufacturing processes are monitored for process capability and capable of repeatedly producing parts to specifications.

What You Bring

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in problem solving related to manufacturing of mechanical parts (e.g., cast metal parts, molded rubber or plastic parts, cast ceramic parts, machined and stamped parts).
  • Very experienced in the NPI process and milestones, the role of SQE for NPI, and the key activities in the NPI stages.
  • Good knowledge of quality management system (QMS) requirements (ISO9001, ESD20.20, IATF16949, IPC-1602, IPC-A-610 or comparable); minimum 5 years' experience in audits utilizing ISO9001, IATF16949, VDA 6.3 or a comparable quality management system.
  • Excellent data analysis, root cause analysis, problem resolution and decision-making skills with thorough working knowledge of QC tools, methods and practices (PPAP, SPC, DOE, PFMEA, Control Plans, GR&R, Lean Manufacturing concepts, DMAIC, 8D Methodology, etc.).
  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills; able to communicate with all levels of the organization, build relationships with suppliers, and influence across supplier and internal groups.
  • Ability to operate in a highly dynamic environment, juggle multiple priorities, and react quickly to emergencies. Excellent time management and ability to methodically manage project milestones.
  • Excellent written and oral communication in English.
  • Experience working with statistical software (e.g., QI Macros, Minitab, JMP).
  • Willingness to travel frequently (domestic and international).

Preferred Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Material Engineering.
  • Green/Black Belt, CMQ/OE, CQE, and CSSBB certifications preferred.

Don't meet every single requirement? That's ok. At Axon, we Aim Far. We think big with a long-term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you're excited about this role and our mission to Protect Life but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Important Notes

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

We collect personal information from applicants to evaluate candidates for employment. You may request access, deletion, or exercise other CCPA rights at [email protected] or via our Axon Privacy Web Form. For more information, please see the Your California Privacy Rights section of our Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice.

Axon's mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well-being and safety of its employees as well as Axon's impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We're committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email [email protected]. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.

Phishing alert: Axon will never ask you to pay for any part of the hiring process, including training, equipment, or background checks. We do not make job offers via text message, WhatsApp, or instant messaging platforms without a formal interview process. All legitimate job openings are listed on our official careers page at https://www.axon.com/careers. If you receive a suspicious offer or outreach from an email address that is not @axon.com, or if you are asked for sensitive personal information (bank details, Social Security Number) prematurely, please ignore the message and report it to [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this role truly remote or is on-site presence required?
The role is listed as remote-based in Vietnam, but requires travel up to 80% of the time to APAC supplier factories. Candidates must reside in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, or Ho Chi Minh City and be comfortable with frequent factory visits.
What cities in Vietnam are eligible for this position?
Axon is open to candidates based in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, or Ho Chi Minh City (HCM).
What is the minimum experience required for this role?
Axon requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing problem solving and at least 5 years of auditing experience using ISO9001, IATF16949, VDA 6.3 or a comparable quality management system.
Are there preferred certifications for this position?
Yes, Axon prefers candidates with Green/Black Belt, CMQ/OE, CQE, or CSSBB certifications, along with a bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Material Engineering.
Does Axon publish salary information for this role?
No salary range is listed in the job posting. Candidates are encouraged to discuss compensation expectations during the interview process.
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