Job Title Synonyms

Job Description

Job Title: Quality Engineer – Aerospace Industry

Overview

A Quality Engineer (QE) in the aerospace industry ensures that aircraft components, systems, and manufacturing processes meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. This role focuses on product assurance, process improvement, and compliance with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 and NADCAP.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Management & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Support audits (internal, customer, regulatory) and coordinate corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, DoD, and customer-specific quality requirements.

Product & Process Quality Assurance

• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing plans for quality requirements.
• Develop inspection plans, control plans, and first article inspection (FAI) documentation in accordance with AS9102.
• Monitor production and assembly processes to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to standards.

Nonconformance & Corrective Action Management

• Lead investigations into product or process nonconformances using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify their effectiveness.
• Manage MRB (Material Review Board) activities and evaluate rework/repair dispositions.

Supplier Quality & Auditing

• Conduct supplier audits to assess quality systems, process control, and compliance with aerospace standards.
• Support supplier development and performance improvement initiatives.
• Review and approve Supplier FAIs, certificates of conformance, and process validations.

Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis

• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to improve yield and reduce defects.
• Analyze quality metrics (PPM, DPMO, Cp/Cpk) and develop strategies to improve process capability.
• Contribute to risk management activities, including DFMEA and PFMEA.

Customer & Cross-Functional Support

• Serve as the quality representative for customer meetings and product reviews.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure quality integration throughout the product lifecycle.
• Provide training and guidance on aerospace quality standards and procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of AS9100, AS9102, ISO 9001, NADCAP, and FAA/EASA requirements.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and corrective action tools (8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa).
• Familiar with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and aerospace materials & processes.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and measurement system analysis (MSA).
• Excellent attention to detail, documentation skills, and technical writing ability.
• Strong communication and cross-functional teamwork skills.

 Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or Quality Engineering (or related field).
• 3–7 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or quality assurance.
• Preferred Certifications:
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
• Lead Auditor (AS9100 or ISO 9001)
• NADCAP experience (preferred for special processes such as welding, coating, heat treatment