Aerospace Automation Quality Engineer

Under general supervision and reporting to Operations Leadership, the Automation Quality Engineer serves as a vital link between TRIGO ADR and our Prime Aerospace or Defense customers. The Automation Quality Engineer is a “hands on” role that will ensure automated manufacturing systems consistently produce defect-free output. The Automation activities are focused on product and process performance for all production including New Programs, Current Production and Legacy, providing the link between Group Quality, Procurement and Supplier interacting with all relevant functions as required. The Automation Quality Engineer will ensure automated control systems are robust, properly designed, and optimized for zero-defect manufacturing, bridging quality engineering and controls engineering.

Job Responsibilities:

• Validates automated manufacturing equipment for reliability, repeatability, and real-time defect detection/prevention
• Works with robots, PLC-controlled stations, vision systems, and sensor-based inspection tools
• Troubleshoots automation-related quality issues and performs root cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, 8D)
• Analyzes process capability data: FPY, Cp/Cpk, SPC trends, and defect Pareto
• Develops and implements Poka-Yoke (error-proofing) solutions
• Creates and maintains inspection plans, quality control procedures, and acceptance criteria
• Leads or supports PPAP activities: PFMEA, MSA, capability studies, and control plans
• Investigates non-conformances, initiates corrective actions, and verifies effectiveness
• Supports NPI by validating automation readiness and quality controls prior to production release
• Supports or develops PLC logic for quality detection, rejection, and containment
• Reviews interlocks, alarm systems, and fault logic for out-of-spec response
• Validates HMI functionality for accurate, real-time operator feedback
• Assists with automation programming, debugging, and optimization
• Collaborates on system design reviews to embed quality requirements in automation architecture
• Validates equipment, improves in-process quality controls, and implements error-proofing solutions
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools: Minitab, JMP, Excel, data analysis, and advanced statistical techniques
• Understanding of APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC methodologies
• Familiarity with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Vision system programming (Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent)
• HMI/SCADA system knowledge
• CQE or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification
• Collaborative robot (cobot) and automated assembly experience
• High-volume production background (automotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer products)
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Pro/E)
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills

Required Skill:

• Strong verbal, written and communication skills
• Project management, time management, problem solving and organization
• Fluent English – reading and writing is required
• Professionalism, integrity, and exceptional attention to detail
• Strong independent decision-making skills; excellent analytical skills and professional judgment
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

Additional Desired Skills:

• Quality Management Systems (QMS),  ISO 9001, and ISO 13485
• Process Improvement and other “toolbox” processes (i.e., DFMEA, PFMEA, MSA, SPC, PPAP, APQP, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TAKT, 5Why, 8D, Poka-Yoke, etc.)
• Aerospace quality, engineering, and manufacturing
• ITAR standards and regulations; USG FAR and DFAR.
• Engineering Processes, Standard Drawings Conventions, Interpreting Drawing, Specifications, and GD&T
• Risk registries or similar forms.
• MS Office

General Requirements:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Fluent English – reading and writing is required
• Pass pre-hire background check including DMV and credit screening
• Pass Pre-hire Drug Screening
• Present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization
• Present complex technical information to leadership and external customers
• Partners with manufacturing, maintenance, and controls teams to improve system performance
• Drives continuous improvement: defect reduction, yield improvement, process optimization
• Communicates quality metrics and improvement plans to cross-functional stakeholders
• Trains production and maintenance personnel on quality standards and error-proofing systems
• Analytical thinking and data-driven problem solving
• Attention to detail with zero-defect mindset
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Self-directed with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Bias for action — drives issues to closure
• Comfortable on the production floor in fast-paced environments

Additional Qualifications:

• FAA, EAR, and ITAR standards and regulations
• Engineering Processes, Standard Drawings Conventions, Interpreting Drawing, Specifications, and GD&T
• MS Office

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical) or related field
• 3+ years of quality engineering experience in automated manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with robots, PLCs, vision systems, and sensor-based inspection
• Strong root cause analysis skills (5 Why, 8D, Fishbone, A3)
• Proficient in SPC, Cp/Cpk, and data-driven decision making
• 2+ years of experience with PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and MSA
• 1+ years of experience reading engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications

WORKING CONDITIONS
Productivity : Incumbents must perform work in an efficient, effective, and timely manner with minimal direction.
Mobility: Incumbents are required to participate in assigned physical activities which may include light lifting and sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Vision : Vision sufficient to read printed documents, computer screens, and observe behavior of others.
Environment: Typical office conditions, directly working Quality management team, working with the TRIGO team, and external customers.
Other Factors:  
The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk (approximately 1-2 miles a day); sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee will occasionally drive long distances to and from various suppliers as needed. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

 

BENEFITS:

• 12 days paid vacation first year, increasing with service years
• 10 days paid sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• Healthcare insurance available: Medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance for self and dependents
• Champ Plan Wellness and Health
  • Free to employees working minimum 20 hours/week with anticipated $30k/annual earnings
  • Participation increases net take home pay $$$ in most instances
  • Free wellness initiatives
  • Free tele-health
  • Free and discounted RX
  • Auto enrollment (unless tax elections result in negative impact)
  • Eligible on the 1st of the month following 30 days of continuous employment
  • Requires monthly 10-minute wellness activity participation
• 401k retirement savings with match
  • Eligible on the first (1st) of the month following 90 days of continuous employment
  • 100% match of 1st 3% contribution
  • 50% match of next 2% contribution
  • IMMEDIATE VESTING
• Company-provided cell phone, laptop, mobile wi-fi (for business use only)
• Regular Hourly rate for travel time
• Direct Pay Travel arrangements for flights, hotels and rental cars
• Travel Reimbursements direct deposited with each payroll
  • Federal rate Mileage reimbursement when driving personal vehicles on company business
  • Per diem reimbursements for meals and incidentals
• $1500 EMPLOYEE REFERRAL BONUS
  • Initial $750 paid upon hire of qualified referred employee (rehires excluded)
  • Additional $750 paid upon referral’s full completion of 90 days’ employment

Pay Range

$33.00-$52.00 per hour eligible for overtime, please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Trigo ADR considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

TRIGO ADR Americas is the leader in the Aerospace & Defense Industry providing global Supplier Delivery Assurance, Supplier Development and Quality Management Services. Trigo provides a fully integrated service solution to optimize Supplier performance through an embedded “boots on the ground”  business model to drive systemic changes that enhance Supplier Quality and Supplier Delivery performance. We work as an extension of our customers to build and maintain supplier and customer collaboration to ensure improved results and provide visibility throughout the supply chain. Trigo’s team of dedicated Delivery Assurance Specialists, Supplier Development Specialists, Supplier Quality Engineers and Program Managers support hundreds of Customers and are deployed to thousands of Suppliers worldwide focused on achieving On-Time and On-Quality Delivery results. 

TRIGO ADR Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer , including disabled and veterans, and may require US Citizenship for employment on certain defense contracts subject to ITAR restrictions. All qualified candidates will receive consideration.  Except where otherwise provided by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliations, marital status, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism or other non-merit factors.

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