Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer Position

Thomas Electronics is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Quality Engineer to support the quality and continuous improvement of products manufactured for the defense, aerospace, medical, industrial, and scientific markets. This position is responsible for ensuring products and manufacturing processes consistently meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards.

Working collaboratively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations, the Quality Engineer will lead quality improvement initiatives, investigate manufacturing and customer issues, support new product introductions, and drive process improvements that enhance product reliability and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-reliability manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex technical challenges.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Lead investigations into product and process quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Develop, implement, and verify the effectiveness of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Analyze manufacturing, inspection, and test data to identify trends, reduce process variation, and improve product quality and process capability.
• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to improve production processes, reduce defects, improve yields, and increase product reliability.
• Support the manufacture of high-voltage electronic assemblies, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), X-ray sources, vacuum electronic devices, and other specialized products requiring precision manufacturing and stringent quality controls.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Material (BOMs), work instructions, and manufacturing documentation to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined.
• Participate in Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), and configuration management activities to ensure controlled implementation of product and process changes.
• Support new product introductions through process validation, AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI), qualification testing, and production readiness reviews.
• Develop inspection methods, sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and process control documentation.
• Perform statistical analysis, process capability studies, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to support data-driven decision-making.
• Review nonconforming material, participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, and recommend appropriate product dispositions.
• Support supplier quality initiatives by investigating supplier nonconformances, participating in supplier corrective actions, and monitoring supplier performance.
• Assist with internal audits, customer audits, and external certification audits while ensuring continued compliance with quality standards.
• Support customer quality requirements associated with government, defense, aerospace, medical, and commercial contracts, including documentation, traceability, and configuration control.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
• Mentor less experienced quality personnel and assist in developing quality best practices.
• Maintain accurate quality documentation and records in accordance with company and customer requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3–7 years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 certified quality systems.
• Strong knowledge of Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, FMEA, SPC, Control Plans, and Process Capability Studies.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and GD&T.
• Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements using data-driven methodologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities while working collaboratively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in electronics manufacturing, vacuum electronics, aerospace, defense, medical device, semiconductor, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting products requiring high-voltage assemblies, vacuum devices, X-ray technology, CRTs, or precision electronic manufacturing.
• Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements, IPC workmanship standards, customer-specific quality requirements, and government contract compliance.
• Experience supporting configuration management, Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher) certification.
• Experience with Minitab or similar statistical analysis software.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to independently investigate and resolve complex manufacturing quality issues.
• Strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain.
• Strong customer focus with an understanding of high-reliability manufacturing expectations.
• Ability to influence process improvements through technical expertise and data analysis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to work within both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated production areas.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments.
• Exposure to precision manufacturing equipment, high-voltage electronic assemblies, vacuum processing equipment, and clean manufacturing environments.
• Occasional travel to customer or supplier locations may be required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Reduction in customer and internal quality issues.
• Timely and effective closure of corrective actions.
• First-pass yield improvement.
• Scrap and rework reduction.
• Supplier quality performance improvements.
• Audit readiness and successful audit results.
• On-time completion of quality engineering projects.
• Continuous improvement initiatives resulting in measurable operational improvements and cost savings.

In addition to a dynamic work environment and exciting career opportunities, Thomas Electronics offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Thomas Electronics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values innovation, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We are committed to developing technologies that support critical defense, aerospace, medical, industrial, and scientific applications while maintaining the highest standards of quality and reliability.