Senior Quality Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: Sr. Quality Engineer

The Sr. Quality Engineer leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality engineering practices in a complex, defense-focused manufacturing environment. This role owns key quality processes, drives root cause and failure analysis, ensures compliance with ISO and AS standards, and serves as a primary liaison between engineering, production, suppliers, and customers. The position offers significant growth potential, including the opportunity to manage direct reports and advance into higher-level management and leadership roles within a rapidly growing organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive technical publications, quality program plans, and inspection instructions that align with customer, federal government, and Department of Defense requirements.
• Prepare and submit first article inspection packages, including all supporting documentation, ensuring full compliance with applicable standards and customer specifications.
• Perform Statistical Process Control (SPC) data analysis using tools such as Microsoft Office and Minitab to monitor process performance and drive data-based decisions.
• Lead failure analysis activities, prepare detailed failure analysis reports, and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate root causes.
• Develop, manage, and submit CDRL and SDRL documents in accordance with contractual requirements and federal government frameworks.
• Conduct root cause analysis and establish robust corrective action plans (CAPA) to address nonconformances and systemic quality issues.
• Apply quality engineering and quality assurance principles, including PPAP, PFMEA, FMEA, GD&T, and quality control methodologies, to ensure product conformity and reliability.
• Write quality assurance plans that are compliant with Department of Defense and federal government requirements, including AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.
• Interpret detailed engineering specifications and drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5M, and perform verification and layout of precision parts.
• Support and participate in quality system auditing activities for ISO and AS quality management systems, ensuring ongoing compliance and readiness for external audits.
• Collaborate closely with supplier quality to evaluate and develop suppliers, support audits, and ensure incoming materials meet quality and contractual requirements.
• Interface regularly with program management, engineering, production, and other functional teams as part of a cross-functional programs team assigned to specific programs.
• Train, supervise, and mentor quality technicians, inspectors, and other personnel, including potential direct reports, to build a high-performing quality team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, quality management system enhancements, and program-level quality strategies to support organizational growth.
• Own decisions within the quality function, take responsibility for outcomes, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support program managers and engineering teams in meeting key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, delivery, and compliance.
• Engage with major prime contractors and federal government customers through quality-related correspondence and liaison activities.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience acting in a Sr. Level Quality Engineer role, preferably within Department of Defense contracting or similar regulated environments.
• Strong experience in quality engineering and quality assurance, including quality control, supplier quality, and quality management systems.
• Hands-on experience with AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management standards, including implementation and maintenance.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and development of corrective action plans, including CAPA methodologies.
• Experience with first article inspection processes, documentation, and corrective actions related to first article submissions.
• Ability to develop and manage CDRL and SDRL documentation in line with federal government and prime contractor requirements.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5M, including the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Capability to perform verification and complete layouts of detailed precision parts to confirm conformance to specifications.
• Experience with quality system auditing for ISO and AS standards and supporting internal and external audit activities.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills for technical documentation, reports, and customer/supplier correspondence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Statistical Process Control (SPC) software, with occasional use of Minitab for SPC analysis.
• Experience working with the federal government or Department of Defense programs, including interpreting contractual and technical requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise personnel in quality-related functions.
• Experience in configuration management within a quality or engineering environment.
• Strong desire to own decisions and take responsibility for quality outcomes and program performance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ideally a four-year engineering degree from an accredited university; extensive, demonstrable experience and training in relevant fields may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in Department of Defense contracting is preferred.
• ISO experience and familiarity with ISO-based quality management systems are preferred.
• Experience with PPAP, PFMEA, FMEA, SPC, and other advanced quality engineering tools and methodologies.
• Exposure to CDRL frameworks and requirements, including experience interpreting specifications and drawings for prime contractor submissions.
• Energetic munitions industry experience is a plus.
• Prior experience managing a team and their respective KPIs is highly desirable.
• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments is beneficial.
• Experience in continuous improvement initiatives and quality management system enhancements.
• ASQ certification or similar professional quality certifications are advantageous.
• Experience in program management or close collaboration with program managers and program teams.
• Experience in supplier development and supplier quality management.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate quality activities across multiple programs and stakeholders.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Camden, AR.

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $55.29/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in East Camden,AR.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.