Quality Systems Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a Quality Systems Engineer to establish and execute a proactive product surveillance program across our manufacturing cells. This is a highly visible, floor-embedded role designed to reduce scrap, prevent escapes, and strengthen our quality systems through real-time engagement in the build process.

This is not a desk-based QMS position. The role will serve as a roving quality presence across manufacturing operations, with the authority to stop work when necessary and the responsibility to drive measurable improvements in product performance and process discipline.

• Product Surveillance & Audit Execution (Primary Focus – ~60–70%)
• Execute proactive product surveillance audits across high-revenue aerospace programs.
• Review build activities in real time to ensure adherence to inspection criteria and process requirements.
• Exercise authority to pause production when nonconformance is identified and partner with cell leadership to drive immediate corrective action.
• Conduct approximately 30 surveillance audits per week across prioritized programs.
• Support maturation of structured product audit checklists for high-impact parts.

• Process Audits & Manufacturing Discipline (~30–40%)
• Conduct process audits including PPE compliance, hazardous material controls, work instruction adherence, and calibration status.
• Verify that manufacturing documentation and traceability requirements are consistently met.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Quality Engineers (MQEs) to identify systemic audit themes.

• Root Cause & Corrective Action
• Lead structured root cause analysis (5-Why, Fishbone, data-driven methods) to identify systemic contributors.
• Implement sustainable corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Support reduction of scrap, rework, PRB involvement, and cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Maintain and track corrective action progress as required.

• Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
• Collect and analyze quality data to identify trends and high-risk build activities.
• Develop Pareto charts and other analytical tools to prioritize improvement efforts.
• Drive measurable reductions in defect rates and operational waste.
• Contribute to lean and continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing cells.

• APQP & Quality Systems Development
• Support the execution and maturation of APQP-related tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP) as site processes evolve.
• Assist in strengthening product audit systems and surveillance methodologies.
• Partner cross-functionally to improve process controls and sustain improvements.

• Customer & Supplier Support
• Provide audit findings and product build insights to Customer Quality and Production leadership as needed.
• Support customer and supplier audits by supplying technical data and build insights.
• Assist Supplier Development Engineering in resolving vendor discrepancies when required.

• What Success Looks Like (12 Months)
• Reduced scrap and cost of poor quality through proactive intervention.
• Matured and expanded product surveillance program across key revenue parts.
• Established credibility and trust across manufacturing cells.
• Demonstrated systems-level thinking that connects upstream process controls to downstream product performance.
• Successfully exercised stop-work authority when required — without disrupting team engagement.

• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing quality environment.
• Aerospace manufacturing experience required.
• AS9100 audit experience required.
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis in a production environment.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and manufacturing inspection principles.
• Strong data analysis capabilities (Pareto, trend analysis, statistical interpretation).
• Ability to operate with authority and influence on the manufacturing floor.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Preferred
• Exposure to APQP tools (PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP).
• Six Sigma training or certification.
• ASQ certification.
• Experience in high-reliability or regulated manufacturing environments.

• Education
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

• Roving…