Quality Engineer - Ball Screws

Quality Engineer

Freeland, Michigan | $75,000 to $90,000 per year

This position is responsible for the dimensional accuracy, performance, and reliability of aerospace grade ball screws and related precision machined components. The role requires strong hands on inspection capability, including the ability to take in machine measurements while parts remain fixtured in CNC machining centers. The Quality Engineer develops and executes inspection plans, validates machining processes, analyzes nonconformances, and works closely with manufacturing, engineering, and suppliers to maintain compliance with aerospace quality standards.

Schedule: Full-time.

Compensation: $75,000 to $90,000 per year, based on experience

What You'll Do

The Quality Engineer performs precision dimensional inspections of ball screws, nuts, and related components using CMMs, optical systems, micrometers, profilometers, thread measurement tools, and similar equipment, and conducts in machine inspection of parts while fixtured in CNC machining centers to validate tool offsets, critical features, and machining accuracy. This includes developing and maintaining inspection plans, control plans, and first article inspection (FAI) documentation, and verifying lead accuracy, pitch variation, straightness, runout, surface finish, and other ball screw specific characteristics.

This role collaborates with machinists and manufacturing engineers to ensure machining processes meet tolerances, validates and monitors process capability (Cp/Cpk) for critical features, and supports root cause analysis and corrective and preventive action (RCCA/8D) for nonconforming parts. The Quality Engineer reviews and approves work instructions, inspection methods, and process changes, and ensures compliance with ISO9001/AS9100 and customer specifications while maintaining FAI packages, inspection reports, deviation requests, and quality records.

Additional responsibilities include participating in internal and external audits, supplier assessments, and customer reviews, working with design engineering to interpret GD&T, drawings, and tolerance stack ups, and partnering with manufacturing to optimize fixturing, machining strategies, and inspection workflows. This role also supports supplier quality activities, including incoming inspection and supplier corrective actions, evaluates and investigates customer concerns with limited supervision, and reviews quotes and new purchase order contracts to confirm quality requirements are communicated to affected departments in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline and 5+ years of quality engineering experience in aerospace, precision machining, or motion control components
• Strong proficiency in dimensional metrology and GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Demonstrated ability to perform in-machine inspection and interpret measurements taken while parts remain fixtured
• Experience with CMM programming (PC-DMIS, Zeiss Calypso, or equivalent) and manual inspection techniques
• Working knowledge of ball screw geometry, lead accuracy, preload, and mechanical performance characteristics
• Familiarity with AS9100, AS9102, and aerospace quality systems
• Strong root cause analysis and corrective action experience (RCCA/8D)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace actuation systems or precision motion components
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and advanced metrology techniques
• Background in machining processes, CNC programming, or fixture design
• Exposure to non-destructive testing (NDT) methods relevant to mechanical components
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems

Compensation and Benefits

• $75,000 to $90,000 per year, based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off

To apply, submit your resume for consideration.