Quality Engineer in Chatsworth, California at Machina Labs

Engineering moves at software speed. Manufacturing doesn't. Yet.

Machina Labs is changing that. We build intelligent, software-defined factories that produce complex metal structures directly from digital design. By integrating advanced metal forming, robotics, and automated production inside a flexible factory architecture, we enable customers to move from prototype to production in weeks, not years.

Backed by Lockheed Martin, Toyota, and NVIDIA, we're building the manufacturing infrastructure that defense, aerospace, and advanced mobility programs will run on.

If you want to work on hard problems that matter and see them fly, drive, and defend, this is the place.

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring products and manufacturing processes consistently meet Machina Labs' quality standards and customer expectations. This role works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, and Supply Chain to identify quality issues, implement corrective actions, improve manufacturing processes, and build a culture of continuous improvement.

This is a hands-on role that combines quality engineering, problem solving, process improvement, and collaboration across multiple teams. The ideal candidate is comfortable spending time on the manufacturing floor, enjoys investigating root causes, and is passionate about building efficient, repeatable processes that support a growing manufacturing operation.

• Work collaboratively with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain leaders to implement a Quality Management System tailor-made for the Cell Production Team. This involves

• creating a Supplier Feedback process (via SCAR),

• Engineering Feedback process (via ECM);

• Incoming inspection process

• MRB process

• Support daily manufacturing operations by identifying, investigating, and resolving quality issues.

• Lead root cause investigations and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Partner with Engineering and Manufacturing to improve product quality, manufacturability, and process capability.

• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing documentation to ensure compliance with quality requirements.

• Develop, maintain, and improve quality procedures, inspection plans, and work instructions.

• Perform First Article Inspections (FAI), in-process inspections, and final product verification.

• Analyze quality data and trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and support the disposition of nonconforming material.

• Conduct internal audits and assist with customer and supplier quality audits.

• Support supplier quality initiatives, including supplier evaluations and corrective actions.

• Utilize quality tools such as FMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP, and 8D problem solving to improve manufacturing processes.

• Work closely with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain to reduce defects, improve yields, and increase manufacturing efficiency.

• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• 7+ years of experience in a Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Quality role.

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment supporting production operations.

• Strong understanding of quality methodologies including Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, FMEA, SPC, MSA, PPAP, and First Article Inspection.

• Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret GD&T.

• Experience with inspection equipment and measurement techniques.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment.

• Experience working within an ISO 9001 or AS9100 Quality Management System.

• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and process development.

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or other quality certification.

• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

• Experience with ERP and electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS).

• Experience supporting robotics, automation, sheet metal, machining, welding, or advanced manufacturing processes.