Quality Engineer

About This Role

This Quality Engineer role is critical for ensuring autonomous surface and undersea systems meet stringent standards for national security. It involves developing and enforcing quality systems that comply with and exceed AS9100 and Naval Sea Systems Command (NavSea) standards, building the quality foundation for the next generation of naval technology. The role suits a hands-on engineer with a first-principles approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and sustain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with AS9100 and tailored to include specific NavSea requirements for maritime hardware
• Champion quality on the manufacturing floor, implement and monitor statistical process controls (SPC), conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase first-pass yield and reduce scrap
• Act as the subject matter expert for interpreting and flowing down NavSea standards and technical publications (e.g., material traceability, welding certifications, testing protocols) into actionable manufacturing and inspection processes
• Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) to disposition non-conforming product
• Drive the Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) process using methodologies like 8D and 5 Whys to prevent recurrence
• Partner with the supply chain team to qualify, audit, and manage suppliers of critical components and special processes (e.g., welding, coatings, pressure testing), ensuring compliance with all prime contract and regulatory requirements
• Develop comprehensive inspection plans, work instructions, and criteria for receiving, in-process, and final inspection
• Lead First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102
• Plan and execute internal and supplier audits to ensure system-wide compliance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Serve as a primary point of contact during customer and third-party audits
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality
• Analyze data to identify trends, report on QMS performance to leadership, and drive strategic improvements

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in a Quality Engineering role within a manufacturing environment for aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience implementing, maintaining, and being audited against an AS9100 certified Quality Management System
• Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.) and implementing effective corrective actions
• Experience leading First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102