Quality Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer (QE) is a strategic, lean-focused role that advances Trek Connect's quality system and drives continuous improvement across production operations. Reporting to the Quality Manager with a dotted-line to the Operations & Engineering Manager, 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 Manufacturing Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain, the QE executes the technical work of the Quality function: corrective action investigations, audit support, QMS documentation, customer source inspection preparation, RMA analysis, and supplier quality activities. The QE builds an employee-centric, team-based problem-solving culture that drives positive change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Problem Solving

• Lead structured problem-solving events using PDCA, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Affinity Diagrams, and 8D to eliminate chronic defects and recurring nonconformances.
• Facilitate PFMEA for new and existing assembly processes; link outputs to control plans, work instructions, and inspection plans.
• Deploy poka-yoke solutions and perform process capability studies (Cp/Cpk) and MSA/Gage R&R to validate process control.
• 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.
• Apply Scaling Up principles to identify constraints, standardize effective practices, and build quality disciplines that support business growth.

Quality Management System (QMS) Support

• Maintain and improve QMS documentation per AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015: Quality Manual, procedures, work instructions, forms, and training records.
• Track and trend quality KPIs -- first-pass yield, defect rates, cost of poor quality, DPMO, and customer escapes -- and recommend improvement actions.
• Execute corrective action technical steps: interim containment, root cause analysis, verification, and effectiveness review; maintain the CAPA database.
• Document inspection records, First Article Inspection reports, and nonconforming material records in ERP and QMS systems.

Audits, Inspection, & Customer Source Inspection Support

• Participate in 2nd and 3rd Party audits; support internal audits and develop AS9100 internal auditor capability.
• Develop and apply inspection and testing standards for purchased material, in-process material, and finished assemblies.
• Prepare production orders and documentation for Customer Source Inspections; coordinate directly with customer representatives.

Cross-Functional Support

• Serve as the embedded quality resource for daily production reviews, new product introductions, engineering change reviews, and first-article builds.
• Contribute PFMEA, control plan, and inspection input during design and process reviews; investigate nonconforming product and lead root cause analysis.
• Disposition nonconforming material promptly to protect product quality and minimize schedule impact.
• Support supplier quality activities including SCARs, supplier qualification, and performance trending.
• Support incoming inspection plan development; use ERP for lot traceability and trend analysis.

Customer Quality & Program Support

• Support customer RMA processes: lead technical product return assessment and root cause investigation.
• 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 Quality Manager.

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 an electro-mechanical manufacturing environment; defense, aerospace, or electronic interconnect manufacturing 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 Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Inspection 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 internal, customer, and certification audits.

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