Senior Quality Engineer

Location:

United States of America – California, Santa Ana.

We are seeking a hands‑on, collaborative Senior Quality Engineer to join our team in a precision metal machining environment serving the aerospace industry.
This role is deeply integrated with shop floor operations
, working closely with machinists, engineers, and leadership to ensure product quality, drive process improvements, and uphold aerospace standards. The ideal candidate thrives in a team‑oriented environment and is passionate about building strong relationships to solve problems and elevate performance.

• Always demonstrate a strong safety focus and perform job functions with integrity.
• Partner with machine operators and production staff to audit processes, identify quality issues, and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
• Plan and conduct analysis, inspection, design reviews, testing, and integration to ensure the quality of assigned products or components.
• Perform quality engineering reviews of design documentation for compliance with requirements, including vendor quality manuals and internal quality records.
• Apply statistical process control (SPC) methods to analyze data and evaluate current processes and changes.
• Perform Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) in accordance with AS9145 and collaborate with engineering and production to ensure readiness.
• Review all purchased products or components and provide input on acceptance and future sourcing decisions.
• Document data obtained during all quality assurance activities in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Apply problem‑solving methodologies (e.g. 8d, DMAIC) and tools (e.g. Ishikawa, 5 Whys, FTA, PFD/FMEA) to solve problems identified during quality assurance activities.
• Communicate significant quality issues or developments and recommend process improvements to management.
• Prepare and present technical and program information to team members and leadership.
• Direct technical and administrative personnel engaged in quality assurance activities.
• Maintain a working knowledge of government and industry quality assurance codes and standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP).
• Support and participate in internal and external supplier quality system audits.
• Manage non-conformance reports (NCRs), root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Conduct internal audits and support external audits (AS9100, NADCAP, customer).
• Mentor and support quality inspectors and junior engineers, fostering a culture of quality and accountability.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and certifications.
• Minimum 5-7 years of quality engineering experience in a metal machining and aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Must have working knowledge of NADCAP
  , AS9100.
• Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications.
• Must be self‑motivated and capable of effectively prioritizing and multitasking.
• Must possess excellent technical, written, and verbal communication skills, and demonstrate strong organizational abilities.
• Knowledgeable in product development, process optimization, risk analysis, continuous improvement, and verification/validation activities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands‑on experience with precision measurement tools (CMM, micrometers, calipers, etc.).
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and communicate clearly with all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to make informed, confident decisions during pressure situations.
• Must be available to work weekends (particularly during month‑end and quarter‑end periods) and be willing to work more than 40 hours per week as needed.
• Intermediate skills in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).

• Ability to work primarily in a manufacturing environment – environments that may be noisy, hot, cold, or dusty.
• Must be able to periodically walk and or travel to other areas of the plant and navigate around machinery, production lines, and different areas of the facility.
• Ability to bend, squat, or reach to inspect equipment or products.
• Ability to lift up…