Quality Engineer at SARA – Colorado Springs, Colorado
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About This Position
Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.
The SARA, Inc. High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and dedicated Quality Engineer to support production activities and transition innovative technologies and products to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors, in our Colorado Springs, CO location. The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with Project Managers, Manufacturing and Design Engineers, Inventory Control Specialists, Fabrication Technicians, and external vendors to ensure our quality standards are met and exceeded.
The Quality Engineer will be responsible for supporting Root cause corrective action, implementing and improving quality documentation, assisting the Inventory team with procedural improvement, assisting the Metrology team with inspections and working with cross functional teams to support continuous growth of processes. The role will also be actively responsible for reviewing, interpreting and communicating specifications and their requirements across multiple projects.
Core Responsibilities:
- Create Quality Assurance Program Plans for projects
- Conduct and support risk assessments for new products/processes
- Uphold the training and enforcement of QA focused instructions and workflow
- Perform final inspection of assemblies
- In-process quality inspection oversight
- Lead quality teams on projects (usually 1-4 people) to include assigning daily tasking and providing input for performance reviews
- Make judgement calls on the assembly floor to stop production due to quality issues
- Determine where improvements can be made by building and improving quality processes & systems
- Support Lean implementation and process optimization
- Ensure adherence to health and safety guidelines
- Write reports for nonconformance events and corrective actions and conduct root cause analysis
- Review and approve supplier quality documentation (FAI, Material Certs, etc.)
- Quality personnel training and mentorship
- Assist with ISO 9001 Audits and supplier audits
- Assist with integration of eQMS software practices on new projects
- Uphold the writing, release and training of QA focused instructions and workflow
- Improve quality documentation in support of transition from R&D to production
- Help to improve Material Review Board (MRB) process including verification, documentation, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and Corrective Action and Preventative Action (CAPA) processes
- Quality inspection and procurement training
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field (Electrical Engineering preferred)
- 2 – 4 years of Quality Assurance experience
- Experience with eQMS software (preferably QT9)
- Experience in an ISO 9001/AS9100 environment
- Experience with electrical testing using electrical analysis tools (multimeter, spectrum analyzer, oscilloscope, etc.)
- Strong organization skills and high attention to detail
- Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and demonstrated experience in the development and evaluation of effective preventative / corrective action plan
- Experience with Six Sigma & ISO 9001 processes within a production environment
- Experience with 5S & Lean Manufacturing processes within a production environment
- Strong understanding of industry recognized specifications (ASTM, MIL, ASM, etc.)
- Strong proficiency using MS Office suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately loud, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Engineering field or equivalent
- 5 – 10 years of experience in Quality Assurance in the Defense/Aerospace sector
- Experience with Pulsed Power, Power Electronics, High Power Solid-State Switching, Applied Electromagnetics, High Voltage (1 to 100s of kilovolts)
- IPC Certification(s)
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings that use GD&T
- Aerospace and/or Defense industry experience
- Experience using statistical process control software (Minitab, JMP, etc.)
- Experience with a coding language (Python, C+, Java, etc)
- Active Top Secret Clearence
- Experience using Deltek Costpoint (MRP System / Materials Module)
- Certifications as a Quality Engineer (CQE) and/or Six Sigma Green Belt through ASQ
SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Pay Range
Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $65,000 to $100,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.
Application Deadline: May 20, 2026
SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.