Quality Engineer in Santa Fe Springs, California at Advanced Ground Systems Engineering LLC

The Quality Engineer ensures product conformity and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and other regulatory standards across all phases of planning, production, inspection, and post-delivery. This role supports a high-mix, low-volume aerospace environment focused on custom assemblies, requiring strong technical judgment, detailed drawing interpretation, and hands-on collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, customers, and suppliers. The Quality Engineer serves as a key technical resource for nonconformance management, inspection planning, deviations, customer quality issues, supplier audits, and cross-functional problem-solving. Additionally, the position drives customer satisfaction through the delivery of conforming products and implements documented processes to reduce reliance on tribal knowledge and promote consistent, validated practices.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and lead MRB activities for all nonconformances, ensuring timely disposition of parts and assemblies.
• Conduct and execute on preliminary review/dispositions when full MRB is not required.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Production to determine appropriate actions (return-to-vendor, repair, rework, use-as-is, or scrap) and document decisions accurately.
• Drive systemic improvements by analyzing MRB trends and implementing preventive measures.
• Lead and facilitate RCCA investigations for internal quality issues and customer complaints using structured problem-solving tools (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa).
• Ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively and verified for sustainability.
• Coach cross-functional teams on robust root cause analysis techniques to prevent recurrence.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints promptly, ensuring containment and corrective actions meet customer expectations.
• Communicate status updates, root cause findings, and resolution plans to customers in a professional and timely manner.
• Track complaint data, analyze trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce complaint frequency and severity.
• Develop and maintain internal quality standards, inspection plans, and work instructions.
• Support NPI/NPD readiness, including FAI execution per AS9102 and internal process validation.
• Conduct internal audits to ISO 9001 and support external audits.
• Monitor key quality metrics (FPY, DPPM, complaint closure time) and report performance to management.
• Provide guidance/training on GD&T, inspection methods, and quality tools.
• Additional projects and tasks as assigned by the Quality Assurance Manager.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical discipline
• (Education may be substituted for significant working experience in the related disciplines at AGSE’s discretion)
• 7 years of relevant industry experience within a quality assurance organiztion.
• 3 years minimum specifically in a Quality Engineering role within aerospace and/or manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and experience with AS9102 FAIs.
• Familiarity with APQP/PPAP (as applicable to internal processes) and SPC.
• Proficiency in reading engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Working knowledge of common inspection tools and advanced technologies (CMMs, PCMMs, Romer/FARO arms).
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications.
• Onsite role; remote work may be occasionally granted or required at the discretion of the Quality Assurance Manager.
• Ability to work Monday–Friday, with overtime as required.
• Certifications: CQE, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), or ISO 9001/AS9100 Lead Auditor preferred.
• ERP/MRP proficiency (Epicor system preferred).
• Technical and practical understanding of complex precision machined components preferred.
• Technical and practical understanding of complex mechanical and hydraulic assemblies preferred.
• Understanding of basic metallurgy and welding fundamentals preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet to moderate. However, in certain assignments, an employee may work near moving equipment and be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, biological hazards, airborne fumes, outdoor weather conditions, and loud, prolonged noise.