Quality Engineer
About the role
This Quality Engineer role focuses on leading all quality aspects of assigned programs, from developing quality plans and technical publications to driving corrective actions and continuous improvement. You will work closely with cross-functional program teams, interface with customers and suppliers, and ensure compliance with ISO-9001, AS9100, and federal government requirements.
Responsibilities
Own all quality activities for assigned programs, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, customer requirements, and internal procedures.
Develop and maintain quality program plans that comply with statements of work and federal government requirements.
Prepare and author technical publications, quality documentation, inspection instructions, and related quality records for assigned programs.
Serve as a primary liaison for quality-related communication with customers and suppliers, including coordinating responses and resolving quality issues.
Prepare, submit, and manage first article inspection packages in accordance with AS-9012 Rev. C, including all required supporting documentation.
Perform Statistical Process Control (SPC) data analysis to monitor process performance and identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Conduct failure analysis, document findings, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
Develop, prepare, and submit CDRL and SDRL documents in accordance with contract and federal government requirements.
Interpret engineering drawings and specifications, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and ensure product conformance through detailed verification and layout inspections.
Write and maintain quality assurance plans that align with customer contracts, statements of work, and federal government expectations.
Support and lead quality system audits, including internal audits and customer or third-party audits, to maintain ISO-9001 and AS9100 compliance.
Participate as a key member of the program Integrated Product Team (IPT), working closely with program management, manufacturing engineering, production, materials, procurement, and safety.
Train, guide, and supervise quality technicians and inspectors as needed to ensure consistent inspection practices and adherence to quality standards.
Mine, analyze, and summarize quality and production data, providing clear information and recommendations to executive management for decision-making.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the quality management system and production processes, including CAPA and APQP-related activities when applicable.
Maintain thorough documentation and records in accordance with quality management system requirements and contractual obligations.
Collaborate with program and engineering teams to ensure configuration management practices are followed and changes are properly controlled.
Demonstrate ownership of assigned programs by proactively identifying risks, proposing solutions, and following through on commitments.
Essential Skills
Proven experience in quality engineering or quality assurance within a manufacturing or aerospace/defense environment.
Hands-on experience with ISO-9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems.
Ability to write and implement quality assurance plans that comply with statements of work and federal government requirements.
Experience working with federal government contracts or defense-related programs (preferred but not required).
Strong experience in first article inspection, including preparation and submission of AS-9012 Rev. C-compliant first article packages.
Demonstrated experience in failure analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
Proficiency in Statistical Process Control (SPC), including the use of SPC software and tools for data analysis.
Working knowledge of CDRL and SDRL frameworks and requirements for documentation submissions in a prime contractor environment.
Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5M, including the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
Experience with quality management systems, including development, implementation, and maintenance of ISO-9001/AS9100-compliant processes.
Experience in quality system auditing, including internal and external audits.
Strong root cause analysis skills and experience with structured problem-solving methods.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for documentation, analysis, and communication.
Familiarity with Minitab or similar statistical software for SPC and data analysis.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports and communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to mine, interpret, and present data to support executive-level decision-making.
Ability and desire to make decisions, take ownership of outcomes, and be accountable for program quality performance.
Ability to work effectively as a constructive member of cross-functional teams, including program management, engineering, production, materials, procurement, and safety.
Education that includes a degree from an accredited university in engineering or a related field, or extensive relevant experience and training that can be demonstrated as an equivalent.