Quality Engineer - Aerospace & Defense

Description

We are seeking a self-motivated and process-driven Quality Engineer to join our Aerospace & Defense division. This role is responsible for managing and improving quality systems, ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will take ownership of quality processes, drive structured and system-based execution, and ensure accountability across documentation, traceability, and corrective action workflows. This role will play a key part in the implementation and integration of QT9 as the company’s enterprise Quality Management System (QMS), supporting long-term quality system effectiveness and standardization.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to establish quality standards
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001:2015, and customer-specific requirements
• Develop, maintain, and improve quality processes, procedures, and documentation
• Support implementation, rollout, and ongoing optimization of the QT9 Quality Management System
• Maintain accurate documentation, traceability, and certification records (CofCs, MTRs, special process certs, FAI documentation)

Inspection & Validation

• Prepare for and participate in First Article Inspections (FAI), source inspections, audits, and surveillance activities
• Review inspection data and validate compliance with GD&T and customer specifications
• Oversee inspection standards and support inspection personnel through quality planning and system oversight
• Manage inspection hold points and ensure all required documentation is complete prior to shipment

Corrective Action & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Manage and resolve non-conformances (NCRs) and supplier corrective actions (SCARs)
• Ensure full closure of quality issues with documented corrective actions and effectiveness verification
• Identify gaps in receiving, in-process, and final inspection and implement improvements
• Support and participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives

Audits & Customer Support

• Conduct internal audits and support external audits, including ISO and customer audits
• Coordinate with customers and source inspectors for inspections, audits, and shipment validation
• Serve as a point of contact for customer-facing quality interactions, including CAPA and issue resolution

Systems, Reporting & Process Ownership

• Own and report key quality KPIs and metrics
• Lead quality workflows and reporting through systems such as Monday.com and QT9
• Drive standardization and accountability across quality processes with minimal supervision
• Collaborate with engineering and program management on quality planning for new projects and contracts

General Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and organized work environment in compliance with company policies
• Support team objectives and cross-functional initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace quality standards
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and apply GD&T principles
• Experience leading root cause analysis and corrective action processes (CAPA, NCR, SCAR)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive projects to completion
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with a focus on documentation, compliance, and traceability
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interface with customers, suppliers, and internal teams
• Experience with ERP systems and quality management software platforms
• Familiarity with workflow or reporting tools (e.g., Monday.com)
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred
• Willingness to travel as needed

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related technical field, required
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or inspection within the aerospace and defense industry
• Experience developing, implementing, or improving Quality Management Systems (QMS), including ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100
• Experience supporting or leading system implementations or major process improvements preferred
• ASQ certification (e.g., CQE, CQA) preferred
• Prior leadership or project ownership experience preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Visio) and business systems (ERP, CRM, document control platforms)
• Experience with QT9 or similar enterprise QMS platforms strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to perform repetitive motions using hands and arms
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 70 pounds
• Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, pushing, and pulling of parts or containers
• Ability to work in a shop environment with varying temperatures, including heat, humidity, and cold

**Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and acceptable motor vehicle record, as well as possession of a valid driver’s license prior to start date.