Quality Engineer I

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer I supports the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) and manufacturing quality processes for aerospace and defense fuel cell products. This position works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program teams to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal quality requirements. The Quality Engineer I assists with quality investigations, corrective actions, inspections, audits, process improvements, and product conformity activities while upholding AS9100 standards and customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support compliance with AS9100, customer-specific requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Participate in product and process quality planning activities.
• Review manufacturing processes and documentation for compliance with quality requirements.
• Assist in root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) activities.
• Analyze quality data and prepare reports on key quality metrics.
• Support internal audits and external customer or registrar audits.
• Review nonconforming material records and support disposition processes.
• Assist in supplier quality and incoming inspection activities as required.
• Participate in First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9145.
• Support risk assessment and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review engineering changes and manufacturing documentation for quality impacts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve quality issues.
• Maintain quality records and documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Support implementation of statistical and problem-solving methodologies.
• Promote a culture of quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant quality experience may be considered.

Experience

• 0-3 years of professional experience in a manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, or quality engineering environment.
• Basic understanding of quality management systems and manufacturing processes.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of quality engineering principles and practices.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) concepts.
• Understanding of root cause analysis techniques such as 5 Why, Fishbone Diagrams, or similar methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain any required security clearance or export-control authorization, if applicable.
• Ability to work in manufacturing, laboratory, and office environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA), or equivalent quality certification.
• Training in AS9100, AS9145, AS13000 series standards, or related aerospace quality standards.

Experience

• Experience supporting an AS9100-certified Quality Management System.
• Experience with aerospace and defense product manufacturing.
• Experience participating in customer, regulatory, or certification audits.
• Experience supporting supplier quality activities.
• Experience conducting or supporting First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Experience in using quality management software, ERP systems.

Technical Knowledge

• Working knowledge of:
• AS9100 Quality Management Systems
• AS9145/AS9102 First Article Inspection
• Risk-based thinking and process management
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA)
• Process Capability Analysis
• Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) systems
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies

Software Skills

• Experience using:
• Minitab or equivalent statistical software
• Quality Management System (QMS) software
• ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or equivalent
• CAD viewers and engineering document control systems

Success Factors

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn fuel cell technologies.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple organizational functions.
• Sound judgment and data-driven decision making.
• High ethical standards and attention to detail in support of mission-critical aerospace and defense products.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person