Principal Quality Engineer, Supplier QA

About the Role

As our Principal Quality Engineer, Supplier QA Support, you'll hold dual responsibility within Electra's Quality organization: supporting our FAA Part 23 Type and Production Certification quality efforts, and leading supplier quality assurance across our procurement and manufacturing base. You'll represent Quality in meetings, on-site audits, and evaluations with Procurement, Suppliers, Manufacturing, Production, and Engineering—and you'll be a steady, professional presence for the department across every site and interaction. You'll support the build-out of a 14 CFR 21.137-compliant Quality Management System, including First Article Inspection, and help stand up the supplier quality infrastructure (audits, documentation review, and an Approved Supplier List) that Electra needs as we scale from Manassas, VA to our future manufacturing site in Springfield, OH.

Responsibilities

• Uphold Electra's goals, objectives, and policies in a professional manner across all locations, and represent Electra and the Quality department positively in every interaction
• Support Quality's FAA Part 23 Type and Production Certification efforts at our Manassas, VA headquarters and future Springfield, OH manufacturing site, as needed
• Partner with Procurement, Supplier, Manufacturing, Production, and Engineering teams through meetings, on-site audits, and evaluations, providing feedback and periodic status reporting using Electra's standard reporting tools and methods
• Support development, documentation, implementation, and maintenance of a compliant 14 CFR 21.137 Quality Management System, including First Article Inspections (FAI), and help prevent non-conforming parts, articles, and defects while maintaining a safety- and quality-first presence at all times
• Support development, documentation, implementation, and maintenance of a compliant AS9100D / AS9102 quality system as company objectives require
• Provide strategic supplier quality support throughout the supplier selection process, including on-site audits, evaluation of supplier-provided documentation and certifications, and creation and management of an Approved Supplier List (ASL) per FAA Type and Production Certification requirements
• Support company, supplier, and FAA conformity inspections as needed
• Own predictive quality and rate-scaling efforts, applying Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) procedures and Six Sigma / Lean techniques to support Manufacturing and Production rate-increase milestones and objectives
• Provide other Quality support as needed

Requirements

• 10+ years of aerospace quality engineering, supplier quality, or airworthiness experience within an OEM or Tier 1/Tier 2 manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 21, including 21.137 Quality Management System requirements, and Part 23 Type and Production Certification processes
• Experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102) and conformity/inspection processes
• Supplier quality assurance experience, including on-site audits, supplier documentation evaluation, and Approved Supplier List (ASL) management
• Experience applying Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and Six Sigma / Lean methodologies to support production rate scaling
• Willingness to travel to and support multiple sites, including Manassas, VA and Springfield, OH
• Strong cross-functional communication skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, pre-production startup environment
• US Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing or maintaining an AS9100D-compliant quality system
• Direct experience with FAA delegated-authority functions (DAR, DMIR, or DER)
• Experience with novel Means of Compliance for Advanced Air Mobility or eVTOL programs
• Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing certification

Pay

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range: $150,000 USD - $190,000 USD

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid winter break
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
• Free on-site parking