Senior Engineer - Quality Control Engineering

Senior Quality Control Engineer (QE) Job Overview The Senior Quality Control Engineer is accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and services to customers. The QE engages program and product resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, flow disruptions and implements visual factory KPI metrics. The QE establishes effective Problem Reporting and CAPA systems for containment, correction and prevention actions and documentation of non‑conformances. Responsibilities Develop and implement comprehensive quality assurance and quality control plans for CUAS components and systems. Define quality metrics, testing methodologies and inspection procedures to ensure adherence to quality standards throughout the product lifecycle. Review manufacturing planning to align quality control points and data collection. Coordinate work with quality technicians and inspectors as required. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure robust manufacturing processes, work instructions and inspection gates (incoming, in‑process, and final) are defined at the appropriate stages of the build. Perform process capability analysis on key characteristics and implement inspection and quality plans. Ensure product acceptance criteria reflect the customer's definition of fitness for use. Review customer contracts and purchase orders, flow down new customer requirements to all functions, and correspond with customer representatives to understand needs and expectations. Collaborate with engineering teams to establish quality requirements, specifications and standards for new product development, provide input on design for manufacturability and design for assembly, and perform risk assessments using FMEA to develop mitigation strategies. Participate in product readiness reviews, coordinate final inspection activities and review engineering specifications to include adequate quality and reliability requirements. Lead quality’s contribution to Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and perform Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP). Provide guidance and assistance in quality enhancement strategies and interpretation of workmanship criteria. Conduct internal and supplier audit activities including quality management systems, purchasing, contract review and manufacturing. Drive trend improvements on internal and external quality to support strategic business objectives. Document and track defects using designated Quality Management Systems, prioritize issues, and collaborate with engineering to implement corrective actions. Lead complex investigations into product and process non‑conformances, field issues and test escapes using advanced problem‑solving tools such as 5‑Why, Ishikawa, DOE, regression analysis and fault tree analysis. Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) process for non‑conforming product, ensuring timely review, risk assessment and disposition (use‑as‑is, rework, repair, scrap). Analyze quality data and perform statistical analysis to identify trends and improvement opportunities. Coordinate cross‑functional MRB meetings to drive data‑based disposition decisions and prevent recurrence of known defects. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline required or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 8–12 years of related experience. Strong understanding of DMAIC, FMEA, APQP, SPC, Gage R&R Studies and lean manufacturing methodologies. Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9102 and related audits. Knowledge of industry standards and regulations such as IPC‑A‑610, IPC/WHMA‑A‑620. Primary quality liaison between engineering, operations, supply chain, program management and finance, ensuring quality requirements are planned and executed across programs. Knowledge of dimensional inspection measurement systems and ASME Y14.5 (GD&T). Expertise in mechanical inspection methods and skills. Ability to collect, compile and analyze data using Six Sigma methods to determine root causes and required corrective actions. Hands‑on experience with quality testing equipment, measurement tools and inspection techniques. Experience creating and documenting dimensional data packs and First Article Inspection Reports (FAIs). Strong written and verbal communication, analytical, time‑management and problem‑solving skills. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment. Proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel). Proven experience mentoring and developing other engineers. Physical Demands Regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard. Must work in an office and manufacturing environment. ITAR Requirement This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person or be approved for an export license. Current U.S. citizenship may be required due to contract requirements. Benefits Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, 9/80 work schedule and paid holiday shutdown. EEO Statement AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr AeroVironment, Inc.