Quality Engineer I

At American Ordnance, we ensure our nation’s front lines have safe, high-quality ammunition. As a trusted premier manufacturer for the U.S. Military, our capabilities include production of direct and indirect fire, warheads, and special projects. With over 70 years of experience and Day & Zimmermann’s support, our teams consistently exceed expectations. Join us in a mission that matters—protecting American freedoms and powering progress.

About the role

Launch your engineering career in a role where your work has real purpose and measurable impact. As an entry-level Quality Engineer, you’ll work directly with ammunition products and production teams to build quality into processes from the start. You’ll analyze data, identify root causes, support corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement using tools like FMEA, SPC, Control Plans, CAPA, and statistical analysis. Collaborate across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program Management to enhance reliability and safety.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct Quality Engineering support, prioritizing safety in all practices.
• Plan and execute innovative, preventive methods to 'build in' product quality and improve processes.
• Manage inspection staffing and interface with internal and external customers on quality issues.
• Recommend and support continuous improvement projects using structured problem-solving strategies.
• Implement preventive actions and optimize processes to prevent critical and other defects.
• Use statistical methods to improve process capability, stability, and reliability.
• Support corrective action responses using root cause analysis and preventive strategies.
• Coordinate and approve corrective action responses and address customer requests for data through the AO Program Manager.
• Review Technical Data Packages (TDP), Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), contracts, and technical specifications, providing input to the Configuration Control process.
• Generate documents and procedures, and maintain and report on Quality metrics for the business unit.
• Communicate quality issues throughout American Ordnance.
• Lead Quality Planning activities using Initial Quality Planning (IQP), FMEA, Control Plans, staffing, resource planning, and data reporting.
• Support AIE/AAIE review, test, R&R studies, and approvals for AO ammunition items and component suppliers.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to tasks such as frequency distribution, test reliability/validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Intimate knowledge of CP2/ISO Quality Systems and continuous improvement tools such as DOEs, SPC, FMEA, and Control Plans.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree (AA) in Engineering, Quality, or Science Required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Preferred.
• Positive attitude and ability to collaborate with team members.
• Successful completion of a background screening process is mandated for all candidates.
• Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (with a gold or black star in the upper corner).
• May require a secret clearance.
• Candidates may need to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established by third parties.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Visual acuity for data analysis, transcription, computer work, reading, and inspection.
• Ability to push, pull, balance, and perform manual dexterity tasks (e.g., typing, pinching, grasping).
• Ability to stoop, reach, feel objects, lift over 15 pounds, climb, walk, and perform repetitive motions.
• Capacity to hear, talk, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to think, concentrate, and focus for extended periods.
• Proficiency in reading and writing complex documents in English.
• Capacity to express thoughts orally and make sound decisions.
• Ability to wear protective equipment (e.g., masks, respirators, bulletproof vests).
• Ability to perform job functions at the Company’s office or work site regularly.
• Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat/cold, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noise).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $61,200 - $91,800 annually. Final offer amounts may vary based on experience and geographic location.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, and other paid time off.
• Voluntary benefits and discount programs, including pet insurance.