Quality Systems Engineer

On-site position at our Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions Integrated Systems facility in Santa Clarita, CA.

About the role

The Quality Management Systems (QMS) Engineer will administer and facilitate the AS9100 and FAA-certified quality system and regulatory processes under the direction of the Sr. Quality Manager. This role involves managing QMS elements, including document control, change controls, quality events, deviations, corrective and preventive actions, and internal audit planning. The individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams both on-site and abroad, supporting FAA regulatory product certification, internal auditing, and other quality systems functions as needed.

Responsibilities

• Quality Systems (60%)
  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, including 14 CFR Part 145 (Repair Stations) and 14 CFR Part 21 (Certification Procedures for Products and Articles).
  • Develop, review, and maintain regulatory documentation, procedures, and manuals.
  • Support FAA inspections, audits, and regulatory approvals.
  • Interpret and implement FAA regulations and industry standards across engineering and manufacturing operations.
  • Create, maintain, and facilitate internal/external audit schedules.
  • Prepare management for and facilitate 3rd party audits, including audit plans, reporting findings, and driving continuous improvement.
  • Analyze audit results, identify non-conformances, and develop corrective action plans with department heads.
  • Provide training and guidance on QMS requirements and best practices.
  • Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in QMS and auditing.
  • Support the Quality Systems Manager in maintaining QMS integrity and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Drive the RCCA (Root Cause Corrective Action) process, including tool implementation, training, and metrics.
  • Support Program Quality Engineering Customer Quality processes, ensuring quick response and effective corrective actions for customer-raised SCARS, FRACAS, audit findings, and CSI feedback.
  • Interact with Program Managers, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Customer Service to ensure compliance with quality requirements and resolve nonconformances.
  • Coordinate corrective actions for nonconformances identified during internal/customer audits.
• Quality Systems Document Control (30%)
  • Administer and maintain the Quality System Document Management System Configuration Management through Agile workflows, ensuring documentation integrity, accessibility, and compliance.
  • Oversee the creation, review, approval, training, and distribution of controlled documents, including policies, procedures, work instructions, and quality manuals (AS9100, FAA Repair Station Manual, and FAA Production Quality System Manual).
  • Prepare formal FAA regulatory communications for system/personnel changes.
  • Ensure timely updates to documentation in response to regulatory changes, internal audits, or process improvements.
  • Assist with periodic reviews of documentation practices to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Other Supporting Responsibilities (10%)
  • Perform root cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys) of manufacturing issues and identify appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
  • Coordinate corrective and preventive actions resulting from internal and external audits.
  • Provide QA support for Quality Systems Changes, Program Instructions, Waivers, and Material Substitution Requests.
  • Support quality throughout the product lifecycle (Proposal, Design, Production, Services, and Sustainment).
  • Generate reports and metrics for monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc requests, including KPI, FRACAS, MRB, COPQ data extraction, analysis, compilation, and improvements.
  • Ad-hoc travel may be required to support business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Software Engineering, or technical equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience with the implementation and maintenance of a registered AS9100 QMS applied to manufacturing and product development.
• Experience in quality processes and maintaining documentation systems, preferably in the defense industry.
• Proficiency with Agile, SAP, and SharePoint Online/Office 365 is considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments, set priorities, identify and address problems, meet deadlines, and stay within budget.
• IAQG AS9100 certified Lead Auditor or AATT certification preferred.
• American Society for Quality (CQA), (CQIA), or (CQE) certification preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with employees, department managers, and senior management.
• Strong computer literacy in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access) and ERP systems.
• Strong self-awareness (high EQ), decision-making skills, and results-driven to work under deadlines.

Pay

Salary range: $94,700.00 - $126,300.00 per year. The salary range is a general guideline for a position based in California. Criteria such as qualifications, relevant experience, position scope, and market considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing
• Health and Wellness Benefits
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Referral Program
• Competitive Pay
• Recognition Programs
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Inclusive and Supportive Culture