Quality Engineer

About the role

The Quality Engineer is a hands-on role responsible for ensuring product conformance through direct engagement with machining processes, inspection methods, and shop floor quality execution. This position focuses on translating engineering drawings and technical data packages into practical inspection plans, validating measurement methods, and driving real-time quality improvements in a precision machining environment. The role requires strong working knowledge of inspection metrology, GD&T, and blueprint reading to ensure accurate verification of tight-tolerance components used in government and defense applications. This individual works closely with machinists, inspectors, and manufacturing engineers to prevent defects at the source and ensure repeatable, compliant production. This is a technical, execution-focused role with no direct people management responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and technical data packages to define inspection requirements and acceptance criteria
• Develop and validate inspection methods for machined components, including in-process and final inspection strategies
• Select and apply appropriate metrology tools (CMM, optical systems, surface plate instruments, handheld gages, etc.)
• Provide shop floor support to machinists and inspectors to ensure understanding of dimensional and geometric requirements
• Troubleshoot dimensional issues using measurement data, machining knowledge, and root cause analysis
• Serve as a subject matter expert in GD&T application and interpretation
• Review drawings and specifications for inspection feasibility
• Lead and schedule DCMA source inspections
• Ensure accuracy and reliability of inspection equipment through Measurement System Analysis (MSA) & Gage R&R’s
• Evaluate gaging strategies for complex features and tight tolerances
• Develop work instructions and inspection plans that clearly define measurement methods and acceptance criteria
• Support CMM programming validation and inspection method optimization
• Apply statistical methods and process monitoring to reduce variation in machining processes (SPC)
• Lead or support PFMEA activities with emphasis on machining and inspection risks
• Drive process improvements based on nonconformance trends and inspection data
• Partner with manufacturing to improve first-pass yield and reduce scrap/rework
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities with emphasis on technical disposition and dimensional