Principal Design Engineer + Quality Engineer

Position: Principal Design Engineer + Quality Engineer Roles
A bit about us:

Position 1:
The Principal Engineer I - Design is a senior-level technical role responsible for driving the design, development, and validation of airbag inflator systems and related technologies. This position requires subject matter expertise in inflator design, welding processes, pressure vessel structures, pyrotechnic and gas generator compositions, ballistic analysis, and high-volume manufacturing methods. The engineer will serve as a technical leader, guiding cross-functional teams, resolving complex technical challenges, and acting as a key liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal departments.

Position 2:
The Quality Engineer supports manufacturing operations by providing technical expertise in process control and ensuring that customer and regulatory requirements are consistently met. This role is heavily involved in day-to-day problem solving, continuous improvement initiatives, and developing documentation such as PFMEAs, Control Plans, and Work Instructions for assigned areas. The Quality Engineer also plays a key role in driving customer satisfaction and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Why join us?

Job Title:

Principal Engineer I - Design

Location:

Knoxville, TN
Job Type: Full-time, Onsite (5 days a week)
Compensation:
Salary open depending on experience

Job Title:

Quality Engineer (2 openings)

Location:

Knoxville, TN (On-site 5 days a week)
Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: Open, depending on experience

Job Details

1) Principal Design Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure product integrity throughout development, launch, and production phases.
• Lead technical problem-solving efforts across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
• Develop and execute Design of Experiments (DOEs), analyze test data, and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Direct and mentor engineers, technicians, and CAD operators in project execution.
• Drive product design changes, continuous improvement projects, and supplier issue resolution.
• Analyze engineering concepts, specifications, and research data to create innovative design solutions.
• Develop new product performance specifications, material standards, and best practices.
• Act as primary technical contact for customers and suppliers, including participation in investigations, product launches, and new component introductions.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and reports to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to provide hands-on technical support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Physical Science (Mechanical Engineering preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of design engineering experience in automotive or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of DOE, GD&T, DFMEA, DFA/DFM, and the automotive product development process.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• Expertise in inflator, gas generator, or rocket motor design and processes.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams or projects.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

2) Quality Assurance Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to lab technicians; develop measurable and traceable quality systems.
• Lead and support continuous improvement programs across assigned areas.
• Ensure customer satisfaction by driving timely corrective actions and submitting accurate responses.
• Partner with cross-functional teams during new program launches to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of quality control (QC) tooling, gauging, and software to improve processes.
• Establish, implement, and maintain systems to control quality of production processes; perform audits to verify compliance.
• Plan, lead, and execute problem-solving studies to identify root causes, assess impact, and verify effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Apply statistical methods, including Design of Experiments (DOE), to assist in process analysis and improvement.
• Collect, analyze, and report quality metrics (e.g., test results, CpK indices) to management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support quality and operational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in…