Gregory Watkins
AUSTIN
Summary
Dynamic Senior Principal Supplier Quality Engineer / Manager with extensive experience at BAE Systems Inc., excelling in supplier management and risk mitigation. Proven track record in optimizing supply chain performance and fostering teamwork. Skilled in process improvement and mentoring, driving quality initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and stability.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Principal Supplier Quality Engineer
Bae Systems Inc.
01.2019 - Current
- Led supplier management and development to enhance factory support operations. Oversaw supplier relationships to ensure alignment with factory requirements. Streamlined processes for efficient supplier performance evaluation. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain efficiency.
- Debug / resolve issues related to supplier buy items to keep Production Schedule
- Conducted risk identification processes for suppliers to enhance supply chain stability. Implemented prevention strategies to minimize supplier-related risks. Developed mitigation plans to address potential supplier disruptions.
- Facilitate and Lead supplier CARs / internal 8Ds
- Supplier Audits
- process optimization internally and with suppliers
- Mentored junior SQEs, fostering professional growth and knowledge transfer.
Supplier Quality Manager
Bae Systems Inc.
07.2024 - 08.2025
- Streamlined task management to enhance adherence to factory schedules. Collaborated with engineers to optimize workflow and meet operational deadlines.
- Establish business area goals and strategies to minimize DPPM and optimize supply chain performance.
- Mentor and cultivate a high-performing team
- Coordinated with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between supplier capabilities and company needs.
- Championed a culture of quality within the organization by promoting best practices in supplier management techniques.
Supplier Quality Engineer
Flextronics
04.2007 - 01.2019
- Managed supplier APQP / PPAP progress to ensure a successful transition from NPI to Production
- Developed and implemented corrective action plans for non-conformances.
- Technical debug, nonconformance resolution for all supplier buy items
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues effectively.
- Analyzed supplier performance data to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Risk identification and mitigation for supply base
- Implement process improvements both at supplier and internally.
- Train and mentor junior SQEs
Product Engineer
Freescale Semiconductor
06.2002 - 04.2006
- Lead the AECQ-100 qualification of Digital Signal Processor from NPI to production
- Executed technical debugging of device failures
- Perform verification testing before design freeze
Education
Master of Science - Engineering Management
The University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TXBachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
The University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TXSkills
- Supplier Management and Development
- APQP / PPAP
- 8D problem-solving methodology
- Risk management strategies
- Process Improvement (Six Sigma)
- AS9100 / IATF 16949 / ISO9001
- Technical troubleshooting
- Effective team leadership
- Cross Functional collaboration
- QMS / Quality Audits
Accomplishments
- Successfully completed Essentials of Purposeful Leadership training at BAE. This is reserved for high performing future leaders and must be nominated by leadership to attend.
- Upgraded and modernized the inspection equipment at the Austin, Tx facility which increased throughput and reduced escapes to customer. Estimated operations savings over $600k / yr
Certifications
- Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ)
- 8D "QLAB" Subject Matter Expert (BAE)
Timeline
Supplier Quality Manager
Bae Systems Inc.
07.2024 - 08.2025
Senior Principal Supplier Quality Engineer
Bae Systems Inc.
01.2019 - Current
Supplier Quality Engineer
Flextronics
04.2007 - 01.2019
Product Engineer
Freescale Semiconductor
06.2002 - 04.2006
Master of Science - Engineering Management
The University of Texas At Austin
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
The University of Texas At Austin