Quality Engineer

Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California and a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications. Our Warren, RI facility engineers and manufactures some of the world’s most advanced sealing solutions.

About the role

The Quality Engineer is responsible for promoting the Quality Management System and ensuring compliance with internal, customer, and industry requirements. This role oversees the Internal Audit Program, completes validation on inspection measurement systems, and analyzes the company’s Quality Metrics. The Quality Engineer emphasizes risk-based thinking, promotes continual process improvement, and collaborates closely with Quality Technicians to support product release testing, document non-conformities, and implement corrective actions. Additionally, this role involves overseeing tasks typically associated with a Quality Technician, such as calibration, CMM programming, testing, first article inspection, and dimensional reporting. The Quality Engineer also collaborates with the Supply Chain Management Team to monitor Supplier Quality Performance.

Responsibilities

• Champion and coordinate the Internal Audit Program, including internal and external audits, developing audit plans, reporting deficiencies, and training new audit team members.
• Support customer, regulatory, and certification body on-site audits and interface with customers to develop, implement, and document corrective actions.
• Review, revise, create, and implement Quality Management Systems processes and written procedures.
• Develop, implement, and monitor data collection processes to detect trends in process control, identify root causes of process deviation, and implement corrective actions to reduce variability and optimize product quality.
• Communicate the impact of process variation to management and perform Customer Contract Review to ensure compliance with regulatory, industry, and customer requirements.
• Review technical data to ensure manufacturing and inspection processes can produce conforming product, populate quality requirements compliance matrices, and communicate applicable requirements to planning, production, and inspection departments.
• Communicate special customer requirements to purchasing and supply chain to ensure suppliers meet customer requirements.
• Collaborate with functional areas to establish quality procedures for meeting customer requirements and provide customer interface on quality issues.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain on vendor quality issues and provide technical support to promote problem resolution.
• Support the effective operation of automated inspection equipment through defined programming methods, software and data control, monitoring, and storage.
• Implement measurement system analyses and gauge studies to aid in statistical process control, improve product quality, and ensure inspection equipment compliance.
• Analyze data to predict risk and identify opportunities for new equipment and technology.
• Develop, document, and provide training on inspection processes, techniques, and best practices, including equipment and gauge usage, measurement verification, and quality management software.
• Co-sponsor the Risk Management process alongside Quality Management and promote performance improvement and quality control programs throughout the organization.
• Set quality control compliance objectives to achieve targets (Cost of Poor Quality, Scrap Rates, 1st Pass Yield).
• Develop and participate in cross-functional team projects to promote organizational growth.
• Standardize inspection sampling plans to ensure compliance with customer requirements and industry practices.
• Oversee inspection reporting, gauge set-up, and roaming inspection support, and integrate current customer and industry specification requirements into the QMS.
• Coordinate product release testing with Quality Control Technicians and ensure compliance with customer requirements.
• Participate in the Control of Non-Conforming Material process (MRB, RMA, Containment) and provide technical knowledge and support throughout the organization.
• Oversee the control of monitoring and measurement equipment recalibration systems.
• Participate in MagSeal’s Designated Quality Representative (DQR) program and release product on behalf of applicable customers per specified requirements.
• Responsible for storing and handling all Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) appropriately to prevent unauthorized access, dissemination, or use.
• Support all visitor and security policies to protect ITAR/EAR/CMMC/CUI information, documents, and products from unauthorized access.
• Responsible for the proper handling and management of hazardous waste generated in the work area.
• Perform other duties as assigned and maintain regular and acceptable attendance.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or another related technical field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing in a regulated industry.
• ASQ Quality Engineer Certification, SAE 13001 DPRV Certification, and SAE AS9100 Auditor Certification preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, certifications, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Background in Mechanical Engineering with a basic understanding of CAD.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings (blueprints).
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, ERP Systems, Document Control, Inspection software, and other SPC databases; ability to learn additional programs as needed.
• Direct technical skills related to equipment in the work cell.
• Ability to complete work swiftly and thoroughly with high-quality results.
• Demonstrates a safety-first mindset and performs work accurately.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-confidence to facilitate completion of work assignments and ability to make decisions while following company procedures.
• Critical thinking and reasoning to solve problems, attention to detail, and adaptability to change.
• Honesty, integrity, and conduct conforming to company values.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate effectively in teams.
• Strong self-motivation and ability to process work efficiently and timely.
• Local to the Rhode Island facility.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand, walk, and sit frequently.
• Able to bend, squat, and kneel occasionally.
• Able to reach outward frequently and reach above shoulder occasionally.
• Able to use fine manipulation occasionally and demonstrate finger dexterity to rotate parts as needed.
• Able to read and write in English.
• Able to lift/carry up to 20 lbs. frequently and push/pull up to 20 lbs. occasionally.
• Able to push/pull and lift/carry from 21 to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Visual acuity to see close detail, distance, and colors constantly.
• May come into contact with chemicals.

Work Environment

This role operates in an office environment, manufacturing shop, and inspection lab with open floor space. The environment can be noisy at times and is climate-controlled. Onsite work is required per business needs and standard hours. Required Personal Protective Equipment must be worn constantly, and an annual eye exam is mandatory.

This position requires access to export-controlled information and/or hardware. Candidates must be U.S. Persons compliant with all U.S. Export control laws and regulations, including U.S. citizenship, U.S. lawful permanent resident status, protected person status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or the ability to meet ITAR and EAR requirements.