Quality Engineer II

Accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and/or services to customers, ensuring quality controls are met. Engages Continuous Improvement (CI) resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, flow disruptions, and implement visual factory KPI metrics. Establishes effective Problem Reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances. May have either Customer Quality or Product Quality responsibilities in addition to general responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors as necessary.
• Provide internal auditing support.
• Drive corrective action and failure analysis in a timely manner.
• Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and coordinate Final Inspection activities.
• Provide guidance and assistance in quality enhancement strategies and interpretation of workmanship criteria.
• Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics, implementing Inspection and Quality Plans.
• Conduct internal audit activities including quality management systems, purchasing, contract review process, and manufacturing.
• Drive trend improvements on internal & external quality in support of strategic business objectives.
• Build stable, productive internal/external working relationships using effective interpersonal skills.
• Effectively articulate concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staff.
• Resolve a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures.
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
• Ensure product acceptance criteria reflects the customer's definition of fitness for use.
• Correspond with customer representatives to ensure thorough understanding of their needs and expectations.
• Participate in the review of engineering specifications to ensure inclusion of adequate quality and reliability requirements.
• Work to reduce defects in various processes through data analysis and team problem-solving.
• Review customer contracts and purchase orders to identify requirements and flow down new customer requirements to all functions.
• Review New Product Integration (NPI) customer specifications to flow down new requirements and ensure compliance.
• Perform PPAP’s (Production Part Approval Process).
• Act as liaison for development & LRIP areas on matters related to NPI process & first article inspection.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and 5 years’ experience, or Master’s degree & at least 3 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 2 - 5 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage R&R Studies, and lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001:AS9100, AS9102 standards, and audits.
• Knowledge of dimensional inspection measurement systems and their application for inspection of complex products – knowledge of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T).
• Knowledge in mechanical inspection methods and skills.

Skills

• Proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Initiative to work efficiently and streamline processes.
• Ability to communicate with customers and suppliers to resolve process gaps and apply specified requirements cost-effectively.
• Ability to collect, compile, and analyze data using appropriate Six Sigma methods and techniques.
• Ability to determine root causes of identified problems and required corrective/preventive actions to prevent recurrence.
• Able to affect internal and external DPPM (scrap and rework) reduction and OTD improvements both internally and at suppliers.
• Strong written/verbal communication, analytical, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well as both an individual contributor and as a member of a team.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams sharing a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Committed to learning from mistakes and improving performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration, and puts the success of the team above individual interests.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment. Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $82,000 - $125,000.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, including being a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

About the Company

AeroVironment (AV) delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV redefines what’s possible with AI-powered drones, loitering munitions, integrated autonomy, and space resilience. Founded by Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has over 50 years of innovation, including seven platforms in the Smithsonian. AV is committed to building technology that matters with speed, scale, and purpose.