Quality Engineer

We are seeking a detail-oriented, proactive Quality Engineer to support and continuously improve our Quality Management System (QMS) while ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Working closely with the Quality Manager, Quality Inspection team, Engineering, Manufacturing, and external suppliers, you will help prevent defects, investigate nonconformances, implement corrective actions, and ensure product integrity throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

This role is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the quality and reliability of advanced avionics systems used in demanding military and commercial aerospace applications.

What You’ll Do

• Quality Management System & Compliance:

  • Maintain and improve QMS processes in accordance with AS9100D, applicable customer requirements, and relevant regulatory standards.

  • Support customer and external registrar audits, including preparation, documentation, and corrective action follow-up.

  • Monitor quality metrics, including key performance indicators (KPIs), scrap and rework trends, and cost of poor quality, to identify opportunities for improvement.

  • Maintain document control, configuration management, and product traceability throughout manufacturing and production routing.

• First Article Inspection & Product Assurance

  • Prepare, review, and validate AS9102 First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation, including full and partial/delta FAIs resulting from design or tooling changes.

  • Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) requirements in accordance with ASME Y14.5.

  • Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Inspection to establish inspection methods, validate fixtures, and support measurement system analysis.

  • Manage FAI documentation and coordinate customer reviews and approvals through applicable customer portals.

• Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action

  • Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations for internal nonconformances and customer-reported quality issues.

  • Facilitate Material Review Board (MRB) activities, support nonconforming material disposition, and ensure appropriate containment.

  • Apply structured problem-solving methods, including 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa diagrams, and other root cause analysis tools.

  • Develop, implement, and verify corrective actions to prevent recurrence and ensure long-term effectiveness.

  • Manage internal and supplier deviation requests, issue and track Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs), and drive timely closure.

• Quality Planning & Risk Management

  • Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities in accordance with AS9145 for new product introductions and engineering changes.

  • Facilitate Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) activities and develop manufacturing control plans.

  • Support statistical process control (SPC) initiatives for critical-to-quality and key product characteristics.

  • Identify product and process risks and implement mitigation strategies aligned with AS9100 risk management requirements.

• Supplier Quality & Continuous Improvement

  • Evaluate supplier quality performance, support supplier audits, and review material certifications and special process documentation.

  • Support Foreign Object Debris/Damage (FOD), Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), and counterfeit parts prevention programs.

  • Partner with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes, reduce scrap and rework, and increase operational efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring / Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent documented aerospace quality experience may be considered.

• Three to six years of hands-on quality engineering experience in an AS9100-certified aerospace manufacturing, machining, or assembly environment.

• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, AS9102, and AS9145 standards.

• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T skills in accordance with ASME Y14.5.

• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies, such as 8D, 5-Why, DMAIC, or similar structured problem-solving approaches.

• Familiarity with aerospace special processes, such as heat treatment, anodizing, passivation, plating, and nondestructive testing (NDT), as well as applicable NADCAP requirements.

• Experience with dimensional measurement tools, such as calipers, micrometers, and go/no-go gauges, and familiarity with electronic assembly workmanship standards such as IPC-A-610.

• Familiarity with digital FAI software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) or quality management system (QMS) platforms.

• Understanding of ESD controls, safe handling of sensitive electronic assemblies, and FOD prevention practices.

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance, as required for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA).

• AS9100 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor certification.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

• IPC-A-610 CIS/CIT certification; IPC J-STD-001 CIS/CIT certification is a plus.

• Experience with DCMA source inspections or government quality oversight.

• Familiarity with counterfeit parts prevention and detection standards, including AS6081, AS6171, or AS5553.

• Experience with digital FAI platforms such as Discus, InspectionXpert, Net-Inspect, or QA-CAD.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is an on-site position working in both engineering office spaces and an active manufacturing environment in Bingen, Washington.

• Ability to occasionally lift inspection fixtures or hardware weighing up to 35 pounds.

• ​​​​​​​ Shop floor work may require personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, and hearing protection.

Why Join Sagetech Avionics?

At Sagetech, your work contributes directly to the quality and reliability of advanced avionics technology. You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, help strengthen our quality systems, and support products designed to meet demanding aerospace and defense requirements.
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Equal Employment Opportunity

Sagetech Avionics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.