Quality Engineer

Quality EngineerContract length: 6 months Location: Onsite / Hybrid (Travel to Austin, Atlanta, Hayward, and San Francisco as needed) Pay: $90/hour on W2Job OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to oversee production quality, vehicle release standards, and continuous improvement initiatives across automated manufacturing and fleet operations. In this role, you will partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Fleet Operations to ensure autonomous vehicles meet strict design specifications, functional requirements, documentation standards, and customer expectations before release into service. The ideal candidate is an analytical, detail-oriented engineer with deep expertise in automotive manufacturing, root cause problem-solving, and continuous improvement frameworks.Key ResponsibilitiesIssue Resolution & Containment: Track and manage quality non-conformances identified through production audits and vehicle release processes—implementing immediate containment, driving Root Cause Analysis (RCA), executing Corrective Actions (CAPA), and ensuring complete issue closure.NVH Diagnosis & Standardization: Support the diagnosis of Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) issues identified during rider quality audits and Early Field Return (EFR) processes; establish standardized NVH inspection workflows and define required tooling.Continuous Improvement: Design, champion, and execute strategic quality initiatives to enhance the efficiency of production audits, field return evaluations, and issue-resolution workflows.Risk Mitigation (PFMEA & Control Plans): Support the development, review, and optimization of Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and Control Plans to strengthen manufacturing controls.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with Supplier Quality, Manufacturing, and Vehicle Development teams to strategically eliminate systemic product and process defects.Technical Communication & Travel: Analyze complex quality data, present findings to key stakeholders, and travel to company sites (including Austin, Atlanta, Hayward, and San Francisco) based on business requirements.Qualifications & Required SkillsEducation: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.Experience: 8 to 10+ years of hands-on quality engineering experience within a complex manufacturing environment (Automotive OEM, Aviation, or Tier 1 Contract Manufacturing preferred).Problem-Solving Expertise: Proven mastery of advanced root-cause methodologies (e.g., Shainin Red X, 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) with a track record of driving systemic quality improvements across the value stream.Core Competencies: Strong analytical, planning, negotiation, interpersonal, and technical communication skills, with demonstrated ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Automotive OEMs or Tier 1 Automotive Suppliers.ASQ Certifications (e.g., Certified Quality Engineer - CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt).Proficiency utilizing Quality Management Systems (QMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and manufacturing software tools (e.g., SAP, MES, JIRA) for data extraction, defect tracking, and analysis.