Senior Quality Engineer

Senior Quality Engineer

Industry: Defense

Location: Los Angeles (local coverage) with potential regional coverage

Frequency: 40Hrs/Week

Schedule: Monday-Friday (Standard)

Employment Type: VTR W2 Field Employee

Coverage & Location Expectations

• Primary support will be onsite in Moorpark, CA with additional support required in Glendale, CA embedded within supplier operations
• This role is intended to provide consistent, hands-on support at a primary supplier location, with flexibility to support additional sites as needed
• Candidates should be locally based or within reasonable proximity to support same-day or next-day response for urgent program needs
• Regional coverage may be required on an as-needed basis to support surge activity, priority requests, or program demands
• Ability to support full-time onsite at a single supplier or flex across multiple suppliers depending on workload and priorities

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly qualified and self-motivated Senior Quality Engineer to support quality assurance activities for defense industry programs. This role requires a seasoned professional with demonstrated experience in source inspection, First Article Inspection (AS9102), process and Quality Management System (QMS) audits, as well as expediting and shipping/receiving operations. The ideal candidate will serve as a key technical resource, ensuring compliance, driving quality improvements, and supporting supplier and internal operations.

This role supports complementary supplier environments supporting suppliers who specializing in launch vehicle and missile system components, fiber optics, electrical interconnect systems for mission-critical aerospace and defense applications

The ideal candidate will bring a broad, adaptable background across energetics, mechanical, electromechanical, and electrical systems, with the ability to support high-reliability, safety-critical hardware in controlled manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform source inspections at supplier facilities to verify product conformity to engineering, contractual, and regulatory requirements
• Review and validate First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in accordance with AS9102 Rev C requirements using NetInspect online platform
• Collaborate in real time with supplier staff to resolve defects in documentation or physical product to ensure timely delivery of product
• Conduct process audits to ensure compliance with internal procedures and industry standards (e.g., AS9100, special process)
• Support expediting activities, including tracking and reporting supplier performance, delivery status, and risk mitigation
• Oversee and support shipping and receiving inspections, ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and product integrity
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements to ensure accurate inspection and compliance
• Identify nonconformances, document findings, and support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes
• Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement
• Maintain accurate records in web-based databases and ERP systems

Commodity & Capability Experience (Preferred – Not Limiting)

Experience may include, but is not limited to:

Energetics / Mechanical Systems

• Initiation systems and energetic devices
• Separation, release, and deployment mechanisms
• Flight termination and destruct systems
• Explosive signal transmission systems
• Precision mechanical assemblies and actuation systems

Electrical / Interconnect Systems

• Aerospace-grade connectors (circular, rectangular, micro/nano)
• Cable assemblies and wire harnessing
• RF, high-speed digital, and fiber optic interconnects
• Hermetic connectors and environmental sealing technologies
• EMI/RFI shielding, backshells, and interconnect accessories

Candidates are not expected to have experience in all areas, but should demonstrate adaptability across both mechanical and electrical domains.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of experience in quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or a highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Source inspection(s) for various commodities
  • AS9102 First Article Inspection
  • Process audits and QMS audits
  • Expediting and supplier performance management
  • Shipping and receiving inspection processes
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent QMS standards
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications
• Proficiency with ERP systems and web-based quality/data management tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

IPC Certification / Electronics Requirements

• Working knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.) is required
• Current IPC certification is preferred; however, candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain active IPC certifications as required

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with distributed teams and supplier networks
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-visibility customer environments
• Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Auditor (CQA) are a plus

Work Environment & Expectations

• Frequent interaction with suppliers and customers, including potential travel to local or regional suppliers to support inspections and audits
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

High level of professionalism in representing the organization to external partner