Quality Engineer – AS9102 First Article Inspection

Overview

Industry: Aerospace/Defense

Job Title:
Quality Engineer – AS9102 First Article Inspection

Location:
Irving, TX

Department: FAI Engineering

Reports To: FAI Operations Manager

Frequency: 40 hrs/week. Full-time - Monday thru Friday 8 Am – 5PM. Should be open to overtime as needed with notice.

Duration:
On-going

Pay rate $30.00 - $45.00 DOE

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Engineer to join our team and play a crucial role in reviewing and approving AS9102-compliant First Article Inspections (FAIs) for aerospace and defense customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the aerospace & defense industry, specifically with creating, approving, and validating First Article Inspections. This role demands an individual with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes across a wide range of commodities, a commitment to quality, and the ability to work collaboratively with customers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review, approve, and audit First Article Inspection reports (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102 standards.
• Review drawings, certificates, characteristic results, specifications, documentation and certification for all FAIs, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Validate compliance with customer specifications, purchase orders, certifications,
• Approved Products Lists (APLs), Qualified Products Lists (QPLs), and Approved Supplier Lists (ASLs).
• Determine end-to-end traceability between customer technical data package and supplier provided objective evidence
• Work closely with internal teams, suppliers, and customer teams to resolve FAI discrepancies and non-conformance issues.
• Provide technical support, assistance and guidance on First Article Inspection processes to both internal teammates and suppliers.
• Collaborate with customer supply chain management teams to ensure timely and accurate submission of FAIs from suppliers.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing data to assess the suitability and completeness of FAIs.
• Assist in process improvements and implement best practices for FAI procedures within the quality assurance framework.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices related to AS9102 and aerospace & defense manufacturing
• Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced team members and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ recent years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry, with at least 5 years of primary focus creating, reviewing, or approving First Article Inspections (FAIs).
• Extensive hands-on manufacturing experience across multiple commodities, such as:

• • Composites
  • Circuit board assemblies
  • Machined parts
  • Sheet metal
  • Structural assemblies
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics
  • Avionics
  • Raw materials
• Demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to spot discrepancies in documentation, specifications, and manufacturing processes.
• A working understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME/ASQ Y14.5)
• In-depth knowledge of purchase orders, certifications, APLs, QPLs, and ASLs.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting industry specifications (ASME, ASTM, SAE, etc.).
• Strong ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, technical data, and specifications.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with the customer and their suppliers.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as AS9102, AS9100, and other relevant aerospace & defense standards.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.

Additional Qualifications considered a plus:

• Currently holds or has held auditor certifications.
• Experience with ERP systems and quality management software.
• Familiarity with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Previous experience in audit processes and supporting external audits.
• CMM Programming/Operator Experience.
• Experience with web-based applications, multi-factor authentication, virtual desktop environments, and VPN.

Job Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office environment 40 hrs. per week, occasionally more.
• Occasi…