Senior Quality Engineer

Overview

Industry: Aerospace/Defense

Position Title:
Senior Quality Engineer

Location:
Sykesville, MD (local dedicated support) - potential travel as needed to support suppliers within reasonable commute

Frequency: as needed based on customer/supplier requirements

Employment Type: VTR W2 Field Employee

Compensation: $45/hr

• Primary support will be onsite in Sykesville, MD with additional support required in Maryland and surrounding areas embedded within supplier operations
• This role is intended to provide consistent, hands‑on support at a primary supplier location, with flexibility to support additional sites as needed
• Candidates should be locally based or within reasonable proximity to support same‑day or next‑day response for urgent program needs
• Regional coverage may be required on an as‑needed basis to support surge activity, priority requests, or program demands
• Ability to support full‑time onsite at a single supplier or flex across multiple suppliers depending on workload and priorities

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly qualified and self‑motivated Senior Quality Engineer to support quality assurance and supplier quality activities across advanced aerospace and defense programs.

This role requires a seasoned professional with experience supporting high‑reliability, mission‑critical hardware within regulated environments, including source inspection, First Article Inspection (AS9102), process and Quality Management System (QMS) audits, and supplier performance oversight. The ideal candidate will serve as a key technical interface between supplier operations and customer expectations, ensuring strict compliance to engineering, contractual, and regulatory requirements while supporting system‑level integration, traceability, and risk mitigation.

This position supports suppliers contributing to space systems, defense electronics, mission systems, and advanced aerospace platforms, requiring adaptability across mechanical, electrical, and integrated system environments.

• Perform source inspections at supplier facilities to verify product conformity to engineering, contractual, and regulatory requirements
• Review and validate First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in accordance with AS9102 Rev C requirements using Net Inspect online platform
• Collaborate in real time with supplier staff to resolve defects in documentation or physical product to ensure timely delivery of product
• Conduct process audits to ensure compliance with internal procedures and industry standards (e.g., AS9100, special process)
• Support expediting activities, including tracking and reporting supplier performance, delivery status, and risk mitigation
• Oversee and support shipping and receiving inspections, ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and product integrity
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements to ensure accurate inspection and compliance
• Identify nonconformances, document findings, and support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes
• Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement
• Maintain accurate records in web‑based databases and ERP systems

Experience may include, but is not limited to:

• Precision machined components and assemblies
• Structural and airframe components
• Actuation systems and deployment mechanisms
• Thermal protection systems and environmental controls
• Integration of mechanical subsystems into larger assemblies

• Aerospace‑grade connectors and cable assemblies
• Wire harnessing and avionics integration
• RF, high‑speed digital, and fiber optic systems
• Printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies
• EMI/RFI shielding and grounding systems

• Space and satellite components (preferred exposure)
• Mission systems and ISR‑related hardware
• High‑reliability electronics and controlled manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting programs with elevated compliance, documentation, and…