Quality Engineer

The Quality Engineer (QE) is a strategic, lean-focused role that advances ICC’s quality system and drives continuous improvement across value-add assembly (VAD), warehousing and distribution operations. Reporting to the Director of Quality, the QE applies classic lean tools — PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, PFMEA, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, and Visual Management — to build capable, in-control processes that scale with the business.

Working cross-functionally with Sales, Asset Management, Product, Procurement, and Warehouse operations, the QE executes the technical work of the Quality function: customer quality requirement flow-down, corrective action investigations, QMS documentation, heightened inspection program management, RMA analysis, and supplier quality activities. The QE builds an employee-centric, team-based problem-solving culture that exceeds the expectations of both internal and external customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Other duties as assigned.

Customer Quality Requirements & Flow-Down

• Serve as the subject matter expert for customer and contractual quality requirements; interpret quality clauses and flow down requirements accurately to Warehouse, QCI, Sales, and Procurement.
• Write and maintain QCI procedures for new and existing customers; develop process checklists and training materials in collaboration with Sales Operations, Asset, and Product teams.
• Support the Quoting and Contract Review process by interpreting quality clauses; serve as the escalation point for incomplete or incorrect Heightened Inspection orders.
• Coordinate Customer Source Inspections; prepare required documentation and interface directly with customer representatives.

Quality Management System (QMS) & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and improve QMS documentation per AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015: procedures, work instructions, forms, and training records.
• Lead structured problem-solving events using PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and 8D to eliminate chronic process failures and quality escapes across VAD and distribution operations.
• Execute corrective action technical steps: interim containment, root cause analysis, verification, and effectiveness review; maintain the CAPA database.
• Establish and maintain Visual Management at the Gemba — quality huddle boards, KPI displays, defect tracking, and tiered escalation — and participate in daily huddles with data-driven countermeasures.

Inspection & Nonconforming Material

• Develop and apply incoming and outgoing inspection standards; train QCI personnel on Heightened Inspection procedures and customer-specific requirements.
• Disposition nonconforming material promptly; document and investigate process-related quality issues in coordination with QCI and Warehouse teams.
• Track and trend quality KPIs — defect rates, customer escapes, inspection yields, and cost of poor quality — and present data-driven improvement recommendations to the Director of Quality.

Supplier Quality

• Issue and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs); track responses and verify effectiveness of supplier corrective actions.
• Support supplier qualification activities; maintain supplier performance data and trend analysis to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Procurement to communicate supplier quality expectations; participate in supplier reviews and qualification visits as needed.
• Review and approve supplier-provided AS9102 First Article Inspection reports as required per customer purchase orders.

Customer Quality & RMA Support

• Lead RMA technical assessment and root cause investigation; document findings and corrective actions in ERP and QMS systems.
• Prepare and submit quality documentation packages including Certificates of Conformance, FAI reports, and customer-required quality records.
• Respond to customer quality inquiries, complaints, and audit requests in coordination with the Director of Quality.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing) or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of quality engineering experience in a distribution, warehousing, or electro-mechanical manufacturing environment; defense, aerospace, or mil-aero connector/component distribution strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and PDCA methodologies; Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus, or willingness to obtain Lean Six Sigma Green Belt within 18 months of start date.
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action experience required (5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D, FMEA).

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• U.S. Person (ITAR): This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To perform the position, you must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR — U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
• Lean Toolkit Proficiency: Demonstrated hands-on application of 5 Whys, Fishbone, Affinity Diagrams, PDCA, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, 5S, Gemba, Visual Management, tiered huddles, and process mapping.
• Statistical & Analytical Skills: Process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), Measurement System Analysis (Gage R&R), statistical sampling, control charting, and trend analysis; ability to translate quality data into prioritized improvement actions.
• Quality Engineering Tools: PFMEA facilitation, control plan development, poka-yoke design, and 8D problem-solving leadership.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Proven ability to influence Sales, Asset Management, Product, Procurement, Warehouse, and QCI teams without direct authority; employee-centric, team-based approach to problem solving.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication; ability to brief leadership, engage the production team at the Gemba, and represent quality professionally to customers.
• ERP & Documentation: Proficient in ERP systems (P21 preferred) for component traceability, work order records, and quality data analysis; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Engineering Drawing & Specification Comprehension: Able to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T callouts, and test procedures.
• Audit Discipline: Working knowledge of AS9100D audit standards; ability to prepare for, support, and respond to customer and certification audits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is often required to stand, sit, use computers, read, write, type, use copy machines, file paperwork, use telephones, and utilize written and oral communication to interact with clients, co-workers, and customers. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (paperwork, typing, using mouse/keyboard). The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work.)

If this is a US based role the following applies. This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To perform the position, you much be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a US Person as a US Citizen, US Permanent Resident (I.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply. Interstate Connecting Components - A Division of Heilind Mil-Aero, LLC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Heilind Mil-Aero is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor .

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the "essential functions" of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

As a Federal Contractor, we are required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following links:

• Right to Work ( English ) ( Spanish )

ICC and TrekConnect, a subsidiary of Heilind Mil-Aero, offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full time, regular employees which include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision
• PTO and holidays
• Accident, life, disability and critical illness insurance
• 401k program with match
• Wellness programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Employee discount program
• Referral bonuses