Quality Engineer
General Job Summary
The Quality Engineer supports product and process quality across Engineering, Manufacturing, Test, Supply Chain, and Program execution at Technical Directions Inc. This role reports to the Quality Manager and works cross-functionally to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined, understood, and executed throughout the product lifecycle.
Essential Job Functions
Support product quality planning and execution across Engineering and Manufacturing
Review engineering drawings, specifications, and BOMs for quality and inspection requirements
Develop and maintain inspection plans, control plans, and acceptance criteria
Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9102
Plan and perform APQP processes per AS 9145
Develop processes, procedures, & work instructions for quality and/or manufacturing
Investigate internal, supplier, and customer nonconformances (NCRs)
Lead or support root cause analysis using 8D, A3, DMAIC, or equivalent methods
Develop, implement, and verify effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
Track NCR and CAPA status to closure and report trends
Support Assembly & Test operations with quality engineering support
Support containment, disposition, and corrective action for shop-floor issues
Support process confirmation and standard work adherence
Support equipment management and calibration programs
Support supplier quality activities including receiving inspection, SCARs, and QMS development
Participate in supplier audits and performance reviews as assigned
Verify supplier compliance with quality requirements and documentation flow-down
Support resolution of supplier-related quality issues
Support Program Management with quality input for program reviews and risk assessments
Participate in customer audits, reviews, and technical discussions as required
Support customer quality issue resolution and communication
Ensure quality data supports program delivery commitments
Track and analyze quality metrics including NCRs, COPQ, yield, escapes, and trends
Support development of dashboards and reporting for leadership visibility
Identify systemic issues and support continuous improvement initiatives
Support Lean and Six Sigma activities related to quality improvement
Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) studies in support of continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure compliance with AS9100D, government, customer, and internal QMS procedures
Maintain accurate quality records and documentation
Support internal and external audits as required
Ensure quality data is accurate, traceable, and audit-ready
Supervisory Responsibility
No direct people management responsibility. Provides technical guidance and quality leadership through influence. Works closely with Inspectors, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong knowledge of quality engineering principles and problem-solving methods
Working knowledge of AS9100D and aerospace quality requirements
Experience with root cause analysis, CAPA, and inspection planning
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications (GD&T)
Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills
Ability to manage confidential and export-controlled information (ITAR)
Familiarity with DFMEA, PFMEA, and control plan development
Experience with statistical analysis and process capability tools
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline
5+ years of experience in quality engineering or manufacturing quality roles
Experience supporting regulated or AS9100 environments
PREFERRED: Experience supporting government or defense programs, experience working in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments, dimensional inspections using CMM equipment, manual inspections using precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators)