Quality Engineer

About the Role

At Applied Aerospace, quality is more than inspection—it is a commitment to delivering products that perform flawlessly in the world's most demanding environments. The Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving quality systems, manufacturing processes, and inspection methodologies that ensure customer, regulatory, and company requirements are consistently achieved. Working collaboratively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management, the Quality Engineer serves as both a technical resource and a business partner, using data, risk analysis, and structured problem solving to drive operational excellence and a culture of continuous improvement. Success in this role is measured by preventing quality issues before they occur, strengthening manufacturing processes, and improving customer confidence through exceptional product quality.

Responsibilities

Precision: Build Quality into Every Process

• Develop, implement, and maintain inspection plans for new and existing programs.
• Review customer drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements to ensure manufacturing and inspection processes satisfy all requirements.
• Partner with Engineering during product development, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Support implementation and maintenance of Process Control Plans, PFMEA activities, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks.
• Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure quality system effectiveness.
• Utilize statistical methods and data analysis to improve process capability and product consistency.
• Ensure manufacturing documentation and inspection requirements remain accurate and current.

Pride: Champion a Culture of Quality

• Serve as the primary technical resource for quality-related problem solving.
• Facilitate Root Cause Analysis using structured methodologies including 5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA, DMAIC, and Risk Analysis.
• Lead and support corrective and preventive action activities.
• Partner with Manufacturing to reduce defects, scrap, and rework.
• Support internal and external audits, including customer, AS9100, and NADCAP audits.
• Provide technical guidance and training on quality tools, inspection methods, and quality standards.
• Build collaborative relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality concerns.
• Promote accountability while reinforcing a proactive quality culture throughout the organization.

Performance: Drive Continuous Improvement

• Monitor quality metrics and recommend improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes to reduce variation and improve first-pass yield.
• Support implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Identify resource requirements including inspection equipment, tooling, gauges, and personnel necessary to support quality objectives.
• Participate in new product introduction and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist leadership with strategic quality planning and long-term improvement projects.
• Recommend improvements that increase productivity while maintaining or improving product quality.

Key Performance Indicators

• Customer: Customer Escapes, Customer Complaints, Audit Performance
• Quality: First Pass Yield (FPY), Scrap Reduction, Rework Reduction, Corrective Action Effectiveness, Internal Defect Rate
• Continuous Improvement: Root Cause Closure Effectiveness, Process Capability Improvements, Risk Reduction Initiatives, Quality Improvement Projects Completed
• Compliance: AS9100 Compliance, NADCAP Compliance, Internal Audit Performance, Documentation Accuracy

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Three or more years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience using quality tools including Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, Fishbone, 5 Why, and statistical analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace or composite manufacturing experience.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and NADCAP requirements.
• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma experience or certification.

Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to:

• Think critically and solve complex technical problems.
• Analyze data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Influence cross-functional teams through technical expertise rather than authority.
• Balance customer expectations with manufacturing realities.
• Communicate effectively with employees, suppliers, auditors, and customers.
• Lead quality initiatives with professionalism and confidence.
• Manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Working Conditions

This position operates primarily within an office and manufacturing environment and requires occasional work on the production floor. The role involves frequent communication, computer use, standing, walking, and interaction with manufacturing equipment and personnel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.