Quality Engineer

Job Title: Quality Engineer

Location: Cleveland, OH

Business Unit: Team Wendy, 17000 Saint Clair, Cleveland, OH 44110

Job Summary:

The Quality Engineer - Military Helmet Manufacturing is responsible for ensuring product and process compliance with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requirements, including AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and ballistic performance specifications. This role drives continuous improvement across manufacturing, testing, and supply chain functions, focusing on risk reduction, nonconformance resolution, root cause analysis, and compliance documentation for military-grade helmets and personal protective gear.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain quality plans, inspection standards, and control plans for military helmet components and final assemblies
• Lead First Article Inspection (FAI) efforts in accordance with AS9102 and manage associated documentation packages (e.g., FAIR, PPAP, CDRLs)
• Investigate internal and external nonconformances using root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
• Support ballistic testing programs, monitor failure trends, and ensure test data accuracy and traceability
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test engineering teams to ensure new product introductions meet all quality and regulatory standards
• Lead or assist with internal, customer, and government (e.g., DCMA) audits, and ensure readiness for AS9100 surveillance activities
• Maintain robust document control, traceability systems, and quality record retention practices aligned with ITAR and DFARS requirements
• Conduct supplier quality audits and manage incoming inspection criteria for purchased components and raw materials (e.g., composite shells, straps, adhesives)
• Develop and report on quality KPIs such as defect rates, yield, customer returns, and cost of poor quality (COPQ)
• Train production and inspection personnel on quality standards, inspection procedures, and compliance expectations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3-5 years of quality engineering experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (DoD, aerospace, or ballistic PPE preferred)
• Strong understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, DFARS, and military quality requirements
• Experience in composite materials, molding processes, and inspection of molded or bonded assemblies
• Proficient in reading technical drawings, GD&T, and using inspection equipment (e.g., CMM, calipers, bond testers)
• Skilled in root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D) and CAPA implementation
• Working knowledge of ERP, QMS, and document control systems
• Strong communication and technical writing skills for audit responses, control plans, and customer communication

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting ballistic testing programs and interpreting standards (e.g., MIL-STD-662, NIJ protocols)
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
• Experience working directly with DCMA representatives or defense prime contractors
• Familiarity with CDRLs, export compliance, and contract deliverables
• Eligible for U.S. security clearance (preferred but not required)

About Avon Technologies:
We design and produce life-critical personal protection solutions for the world's militaries and first responders. With a portfolio that includes Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear ("CBRN"), protection. We do this through our two brands, Avon Technologies and Team Wendy. Our mission is to provide unparalleled protection for those who protect us, giving them the confidence to tackle challenging situations and helping them get home safe. At Avon Protection, we recognize that our success relies on the collective efforts of our talented team. As an organization, we welcome individuals who embody our #FIERCE company values - fearlessness, integrity, excellence, resilience, collaboration, and the ability to execute.


We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following:

• Flexible Schedule
• Generous paid time off
• Competitive Compensation Package
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Bonus Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401k Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Mentorship Program
• Supplemental plans
• Company-paid life and AD&D
• Medical/Dental/Vision

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserved the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.


Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.


U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum (but excluding persons in nonimmigrant status such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, etc.) or non-U.S. citizens.


To comply with these laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within Avon that may present access to export controlled technical data, Avon must assess employees' U.S. person status, as well as citizenship(s).


The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at Avon's sole election. Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without a sponsorship for employment visa status (e.e. H1B status).


The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Cleveland, OH is $75,000 to $90,000 Annually. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, type and years of experience within the industry, education, etc.


EOE, Including Vet/Disability