Quality Engineer

Job Title:

Quality Engineer

Job Description

This Quality Engineer role focuses on driving product and process quality in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment. You will analyze production data, lead root cause investigations, implement corrective and preventive actions, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The position offers autonomy to make program-level decisions, exposure to aerospace and defense programs, and clear opportunities for professional growth within the quality organization.

Responsibilities

* Analyze production data to identify quality issues, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

* Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

* Support and champion continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging Lean and Six Sigma tools.

* Review and interpret customer and internal technical requirements to ensure product and process compliance.

* Prepare and present quality findings, metrics, and recommendations in daily meetings starting around 7:15 AM.

* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, technicians, buyers, planners, program managers, and quality inspectors.

* Support composite and advanced materials quality challenges within a regulated manufacturing environment.

* Manage shifting priorities and a high workload across multiple parts, issues, and programs while maintaining quality standards.

* Provide shop floor and manufacturing support by addressing real-time quality issues and coaching teams on quality best practices.

* Perform and support documentation and compliance activities, including APQP, PPAP, and audit-related tasks.

* Contribute to customer-facing quality activities, including communicating quality status, investigation results, and corrective actions.

* Exercise autonomy to make program-level quality decisions within established guidelines.

* Provide informal leadership and, where appropriate, delegate work to technicians to support quality objectives.

Essential Skills

* 3-5 years of Quality Engineering experience, or Manufacturing Engineering experience with significant Quality Engineering overlap.

* Demonstrated experience in a regulated manufacturing environment such as medical device, automotive, or aerospace/defense.

* Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and visualization.

* Hands-on, applied Lean Six Sigma experience with a Green or Black Belt certification preferred.

* Quality engineering expertise in root cause analysis (RCA), statistical process control (SPC), and continuous improvement.

* Experience with documentation and compliance activities such as APQP, PPAP, and audits.

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.

* Ability to manage multiple priorities and a high volume of issues in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.

* Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of the organization, including leadership, customers, technicians, and inspectors.

* Professional composure under pressure and the confidence to make and communicate quality decisions.

* Clear, concise, and professional verbal and written communication skills.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Composite or advanced materials experience in a manufacturing or quality engineering context.

* Experience working with major aerospace and defense prime contractors.

* Internal and external audit experience within a regulated industry.

* Exposure to defense and aerospace programs and their quality requirements.

* Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and delegate tasks to technicians.

* Interest in progressing within the quality engineering career path (for example, from QE2 to QE3).

Work Environment

This role operates in a highly fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment within a regulated industry, with significant exposure to aerospace and defense programs and composite or advanced materials. The typical work schedule follows a 9/80 structure, providing every other Friday off. You will work closely with a collaborative team that includes quality inspectors, a quality manager, technicians, buyers, planners, and program managers, and you will participate in daily meetings starting around 7:15 AM.

The culture emphasizes composure, confidence, clear communication, and professionalism, with strong cross-functional interaction and regular engagement with leadership and customers. The environment supports autonomy in making program-level quality decisions, offers opportunities for growth and leadership, and values an engaging, supportive approach to teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $110000.00/yr.

Salary range: $90K-$105K (lower experience) VS $105K-$120K (higher experience) - 5% annual bonus - 9/80 work schedule - Career growth…