Quality Engineer

About The Role

Saab in West Lafayette, IN, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Quality Engineer to join its expanding team. This pivotal role involves developing and maintaining a world-class Quality function within a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment dedicated to producing the rear section of the T-7A Redhawk military trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, extensive experience in the aerospace industry, and familiarity with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) standards. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence quality processes, support production operations, and ensure compliance with rigorous aerospace standards.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related field, along with a minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree and at least 6 years of experience will also be considered.
• Prior experience in aerospace manufacturing is highly preferred, with hands-on expertise in Quality Management Systems, testing methodologies, and inspection techniques.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within an international environment are essential.
• Familiarity with partnering with DCMA and understanding aerospace compliance standards will be advantageous.
• The candidate must demonstrate self-motivation, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to lead change initiatives.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as operational needs dictate is also required.

Responsibilities

• Implement and oversee the Quality Management System principles and processes for a new manufacturing site to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
• Support high-urgency production lines by promptly responding to Andon calls and processing Nonconformance reports efficiently to minimize disruptions.
• Lead corrective action teams, driving root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions to resolve quality issues, ensuring timely closure of 8D reports.
• Act as a primary liaison between Saab and external customer entities such as DCMA, ensuring clear communication and compliance with contractual quality requirements.
• Support process development by integrating quality policies into standard operating procedures and promoting continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Monitor assembly cycles through regular testing and inspections to identify potential non-conformances early and prevent quality deviations.
• Assess risks associated with manufacturing processes, develop risk mitigation strategies, and perform systemic problem-solving to address root causes.
• Conduct Material Review Board meetings, leading the assessment of non-conforming material and proposing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate with external auditors and quality assurance teams to facilitate compliance audits and continuous improvement efforts.
• Train and mentor team members on quality principles, systems, and best practices to foster a culture of quality awareness and accountability.
• Promote a people-first culture that aligns with Saab’s core values, encouraging teamwork, integrity, and professional development.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support overall operational success and quality objectives.

Benefits

• Competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off including eight holidays.
• A 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Tuition assistance, student loan support, wellness programs, employee assistance resources, and opportunities for stock purchase.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.

Equal Opportunity

Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company values diversity as an asset and encourages individuals of all backgrounds, including protected veterans and persons with disabilities, to apply. Saab adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies related to equal employment opportunity, ensuring that all qualified individuals receive fair consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected category. The company promotes a culture of respect, fairness, and opportunity for everyone.