Senior Quality Engineer

Location: Irvine, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world's largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Senior Quality Engineer

Irvine, CA (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Senior Quality Engineer to perform a high-level quality engineering and quality assurance function in hardware development, manufacturing, and in-service products. Additional responsibilities include completing tasks and fulfill roles related to Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP), Regulatory Airworthiness and Thales PMA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA).


In this position, you will also interact with internal cross-functional teams such as Operations, Engineering, Finance, Program Management and external organizations such as customers, suppliers, service providers, and regulatory agencies. As the Senior Quality Engineer, you will be expected to also serve as a delegate when needed, lead cross-functional teams to complete tasks & projects (e.g. audits, continual improvements, development of new processes, etc.), and provide mentorship and problem-solving guidance to team members.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Provides direction and facilitate activities (internally and externally) related to Quality Assurance, Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP), Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), Safety Management System (SMS), Product Safety Board, Regulatory, and PMA ODA (at Irvine California and Orlando Florida facilities).
• Confidently make decisions relative to personnel assignments and functional technical requirements with regards to Hardware Quality Assurance and PMA ODA without requiring approval from the Hardware QA manager/director and PMA ODA Administrator.
• Lead discussions with cross departmental team members for continual improvement efforts and problem resolution; Conducts problem solving circles, continuous improvement activities, and root cause analysis training; Verify requirements and submits PMA application packages to the PMA ODA Administrator.
• Perform reviews and assessments of: Hardware Quality Engineer and PMA ODA Unit Member performance; Hardware Quality Assurance roles and responsibilities; Reports related to product safety investigations and reports/presentations submitted by Hardware Quality Engineers; Process compliance, risks, and maturity level during the execution of design and development projects, product design, configuration control, manufacturing processes, and supplier control; Technical and Contractual requirements flow down and traceability; APQP deliverables, RCCA plans.
• Reporting / Documentation: Provide reports, presentations, formal communications (memos, letters, etc.); Revise procedures, forms, inspection instructions; Develop reports on the status of tasks and objectives (via written or verbal means).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree with 4+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; accomplished Aerospace industry professional with active involvement in Regulatory Airworthiness activities and use of Regulatory websites.
• Highly experienced within Quality Assurance and Quality Engineering functions across manufacturing environments including Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, and Contract Manufacturing; strong understanding of Quality Assurance tools and terminology including FMEA, RCCA, SPC, Control Plans, Containment, Material Review Board (MRB), Configuration Control, and Quality Assurance Plans.
• Seasoned in the implementation of APQP and highly capable in facilitating teams through all phases of APQP (AS9145) and related tools; proficient in nonconforming parts containment, root cause corrective action, quality systems/process audits, and leading Product Safety Board meetings through thorough evaluation of product safety reports.
• Competent in managing individuals, leading teams, conducting personnel performance evaluations, resolving conflicts related to personnel performance, workload prioritization, and process compliance; able to provide effective solutions aligned to situational objectives and scope while maintaining composure in stressful situations.
• Strong technical and manufacturing comprehension including the use of mechanical inspection tools (calipers, rulers, scales, etc.), interpretation of two-dimensional drawings, and understanding of technical specifications with a high level of attention to detail and rigor.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and reporting skills with the ability to clearly present ideas verbally and in writing, facilitate meetings effectively in person or virtually, create reports/presentations including proposals, analyses, and status updates, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core business hours Monday-Friday.
• Physical Environment: Manufacturing / Production areas, lab testing facilities, warehouse.
• Physical Demands: Typing on a laptop or desktop computer, reading, sitting, walking, lifting up to 25 lbs., bending at the knees and waist.
• Travel: Potentially 20% domestic and international travel.
• Personal Vehicle Usage: When needed, the employee's personal vehicle will be used to travel to local suppliers, testing facilities, suppliers, and airport.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements: None.

Why Join Us?

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 98,337.00 - 163,895.00 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including - but not limited to - the employee's career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company's annual salary budget, the customer's program requirements, and the company's internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please reach out to your HR Shared Service, 1st Point)


Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program