Lead Quality Engineer

Job Overview

The Lead Quality Engineer will be based at our Curtiss‑Wright Defense Solutions site in Tewksbury, MA and will lead customer‑facing Program Quality Engineering, Quality Contract Reviews, Supplier Quality and Inspection release/Customer Source Inspection activities as required. They will drive continual improvement and development of the site’s Quality Management System in accordance with AS9100 standards and customer requirements, with a focus on root‑cause analysis, corrective action and quality integration throughout manufacturing, program and supplier processes, as well as in product and software development.

Location: Tewksbury, MA – Onsite

Salary Range: $108,900 – $145,000 per year plus bonus

• Execute QMS compliance activities via internal audits.
• Assist with external audits (AS9100, CMMI, DCMA (US Gov.) and major aerospace/defense customers) to keep programs on track and resolve problems in real time.
• Manage the Program Customer Quality processes, ensuring quick response and effective corrective actions on customer‑raised SCARS, audit findings and Customer Service Index (CSI) feedback.
• Support development and implementation of the site’s AS9100‑compliant QMS through partnering with departments in creating SOPs, instructions and guidance documents.
• Facilitate the corrective‑action process throughout the site, including implementation/improvement of tools, training and metrics.
• Support planning and execution of internal and supplier audit plans designed to ensure sustained compliance to AS9100.
• Interact with Program Managers, Supply Chain, Operations, Contracts and other Engineering disciplines to ensure compliance to quality requirements and resolve Customer and Product Line nonconformances.
• Drive the 8D CAPA process through the organization, including implementation/improvement of tools, training and metrics.
• Manage Customer Quality processes, BOE’s, Proposals & Contract reviews, and ensure quick response and effective corrective actions on customer‑raised SCARS, audit findings and CSI feedback.
• Manage the Supplier Quality process (including performing quality audits and administering the SCAR process).
• Provide QA support on implementation of Engineering Change Orders, Program Instructions, Waivers and Material Substitution Requests.
• Develop and maintain monthly and quarterly quality metrics.
• Support quality across the product life cycle (Proposal, Design, Production, Services and Sustainment).
• Perform COPQ data extraction, analysis and compilation, and drive continuous improvement.
• Travel as needed to visit customers, conduct audits and meet periodically to discuss quality plans face‑to‑face at other CWDS sites.
• Perform data pack and shipping document review.
• Liaise with vendors on quality‑related issues.
• Manage the site’s calibration process and external services.

• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace/Electrical/Mechanical/Software Engineering or technical equivalent with at least 10 years of prior related experience, or Graduate degree with at least 7 years of prior related experience.
• In lieu of a degree, candidates may be considered with a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience specifically within the aerospace and defense industry, including military experience commensurate with the position responsibilities, skills and experience required.
• Experience with the implementation and maintenance of a registered AS9100 QMS applied to both manufacturing and software development.
• Approachable, hands‑on style with the ability to engage across all levels of management.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; must be able to compose written reports and other communications.
• Superior analytical skills, capable of using current computer analysis tools (Microsoft Office, Outlook and other applicable programs).
• Encourages high‑level collaboration of cross‑functional teams.
• Knowledgeable in the interpretation and application of the following standards: J‑STD‑001, IPC‑A‑600, IPC‑A‑610 Rev D Class3, IPC‑WHMA‑A‑620, IPC‑7711/7721.
• Experience with CMMI Level3 capability appraisal process is a plus.
• 8D or other structured problem‑solving methodology expertise.
• ASQ CMQOE…