Quality Engineer - Aerospace

About the role

This Quality Engineer (QE) role is responsible for implementing and maintaining quality assurance processes, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. This position is identified as requiring ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance; qualified candidates must meet the definition of a U.S. Person (per EAR Part 772 and ITAR 120.15):

• U.S. citizenship
• U.S. permanent residence (Green Card holder)
• Protected person status

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality control procedures and processes for operations to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Participate in the design and development of new processing methods, equipment, and materials, ensuring alignment with quality requirements and objectives
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of equipment, materials, and procedures to identify potential areas for improvement and ensure adherence to quality standards
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate and resolve quality-related issues, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions
• Analyze processing and chemical laboratory data and performance metrics to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvement
• Provide technical support and guidance to production personnel on quality-related matters, including process troubleshooting and optimization
• Maintain documentation related to quality control processes, including procedures, work instructions, and records of inspections and audits
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the quality and reliability of incoming materials and components used in processing operations
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to processing quality assurance and incorporate relevant knowledge into operations

Required Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field; a combination of specialized training and relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Three years of work experience in quality assurance/quality control for manufacturing; experience in a processing environment is preferred
• Comprehensive understanding of quality management systems, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP)
• Internal audit and ISO or similar certification audit experience (AS9100 preferred)
• Proficiency in root cause analysis, statistical analysis, and problem-solving methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, DMAIC)
• Specialized training and experience conducting continuous improvement activities is preferred

Other Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to accurately read and interpret blueprints, sketches, drawings, and technical specifications
• Professional written and verbal communication (English) to convey both technical and non-technical information and instructions
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience administering SharePoint including utilization of workflows and document revision tracking; experience using an ERP system is preferred
• Experience with the accurate use of precision measuring instruments (mics, calipers, etc.); knowledge of and experience with the use of CMM systems is preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment

To perform the essential functions of the role, employees must be able to perform the following activities with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer
• Regularly stand and walk throughout the facility, including all buildings and manufacturing areas; occasionally navigating rough or uneven terrain
• Regularly lift, carry (short distances), and push/pull up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally climb steps, stairs, or ladders
• Occasionally bend, crawl, stoop, squat, or kneel
• Constantly communicate verbally and in writing (English) using a phone, texts or other messaging, and email
• Visual acuity to accurately interpret precision measuring instruments and to distinguish colors to assess and accurately respond to sensors, indicators, and color-variable dashboards
• Use hands and fingers to operate computer keyboards and peripherals, measurement instruments, and to physically examine manufactured parts

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a combination of office and manufacturing shop environments where conditions vary significantly; exposure includes:

• Moderate noise (regularly); excessive noise, hearing protection required (occasionally)
• Dust, smoke, fumes/vapors and hazardous chemicals or materials (regularly)
• Extreme temperatures (occasionally)
• Hazardous equipment including forklifts, hand tools, cranes or other lifting devices, complex machining centers, and other equipment used in a machine shop environment (occasionally)

The use of PPE, including hearing protection, eye protection, and safety footwear, is required.