Quality Engineer

About the role

Airbus Helicopters, Inc. is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to shape and deploy the Quality Management System (QMS) during the ramp‑up phase of the Flexrotor program in Bingen, Washington. The role is primarily onsite (≈90%) and focuses on operational quality, data‑driven defect analysis, practical problem‑solving events, and establishing root‑cause and corrective‑action (RCCA) plans.

Meet the team

The Flexrotor program delivers a sophisticated small tactical unmanned aerial system (STUAS) with vertical take‑off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, supporting intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions for U.S. and allied forces.

Working environment

Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Bingen, WA, the workplace blends innovation with the natural beauty of the Northwest, offering flexibility and a collaborative crew atmosphere.

Your challenges

• Define and deploy QMS processes (≈70% of effort).
• Uphold Airbus Core Values: integrity, commitment, confidence, teamwork, customer focus, respect, and reliability.
• Apply lean methodologies, data analytics, and mining techniques to meet top company objectives (TCOs).
• Review, develop, and analyze dashboards and visual‑management tools to identify quality deficiencies.
• Compile and analyze statistical data for non‑conformities, key performance indicators, and other quality metrics; provide feedback and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor digital platforms for collection and archiving of FOD, housekeeping, tool inventories, and lost‑tool/item reports.
• Evaluate KPIs to identify problem areas and implement corrective actions to meet performance objectives.
• Support inspection personnel on non‑conformity management data analysis and quality implementation.
• Interact with collaborators to establish feedback monitoring, identify trends, and highlight improvement opportunities.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports based on quality interactions.
• Create, review, and update company manuals, policies, procedures, and forms to streamline processes.
• Implement and monitor inspection plans and test processes to ensure QA standards are achieved.
• Participate in periodic meetings with quality, supporting, and design‑office personnel.
• Apply continuous‑improvement processes and metrics (SQCDP, KPIs, practical problem solving, PDCA, RCCA) to support policy and process improvement.
• Evaluate the QMS to share insights and trends that enhance the system and customer experience.
• Suggest and implement changes in working conditions and equipment to increase efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Act as the quality interface to resolve system, product, and design defects.
• Prepare audit checklists and support internal audits to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory authorities.
• Ensure implementation of customer and Type Design Holder requirements in the QMS.
• Maintain working knowledge of FAA and AS9100 quality standards.
• Create CAD drawings to support corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Industrial, or Quality Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum eight (8) years of technical engineering or quality experience in mature production environments.
• U.S. Person status under ITAR (U.S. citizen, green‑card holder, or covered under existing ITAR license).
• Experience building and operating quality processes on an operational team; familiarity with Costpoint and TIPQA (or similar) preferred.
• Six Sigma certification.
• AS9100 auditor certification.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer.
• Valid FAA A&P certificate (preferred).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (preferred).
• Ability to travel up to 10 % domestically and internationally.
• Strong data‑analysis, problem‑solving, and lean‑methodology skills.

Physical requirements

• On‑site work ≈90% in Bingen, WA; occasional travel.
• Vision: ability to read computer screens, documents, reports, and engineering drawings.
• Hearing: ability to participate in conversations, teleconferences, and hear production‑floor safety warnings.
• Speaking: ability to communicate in meetings and deliver information.
• Operate standard office equipment and production tools.
• Carry documents, tools, or electronic equipment up to 10 lb (≈5 kg).
• Lift documents, tools, or electronic equipment up to 10 lb (≈5 kg).
• Push/pull small office furniture and equipment as required.
• Sit for extended periods; squat or kneel to retrieve items on low shelving.
• Stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor.
• Walk through office and production areas, including uneven surfaces.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators/masks, protective gloves as required by site).

Pay

Salary range: $102,000 – $163,000 per year (actual range may vary based on geographic differential, skills, experience, and other relevant factors).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• Basic & voluntary life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and a generous paid parental‑leave program.
• Tuition assistance.
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