Quality Engineer

Location: On-Site
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

Russ Hadick Associates is recruiting on behalf of a manufacturing organization that produces precision-engineered components and assemblies for the aerospace industry. Its customers include leading manufacturers serving commercial aviation, military and defense programs, and general aviation markets.

The organization places a strong emphasis on product integrity, manufacturing precision, and dependable customer service. The successful candidate will help uphold these standards by supporting quality initiatives, evaluating production performance, and ensuring that products and processes satisfy applicable technical and customer requirements.

Role Overview

The Quality Engineer will play an important role in maintaining product conformity and strengthening quality performance throughout the manufacturing environment. This position combines technical drawing interpretation, inspection planning, data analysis, auditing, and continuous improvement.

Working with internal departments and customer representatives, the Quality Engineer will investigate quality concerns, assess manufacturing and measurement processes, and help implement solutions that improve consistency and reduce the risk of defects. The role is well suited to a detail-oriented professional who can evaluate complex technical information and communicate practical recommendations effectively.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Quality Planning: Translate engineering drawings, customer specifications, and contractual obligations into appropriate inspection methods, acceptance criteria, and quality documentation.

• First Article Inspection: Coordinate the preparation and completion of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), ensuring documentation is accurate and meets applicable customer and industry requirements.

• Audit Activities: Support and conduct quality system and process audits to identify compliance gaps, evaluate existing practices, and recommend improvements.

• Manufacturing Performance Analysis: Examine production data to identify recurring issues, process variation, and opportunities to improve product quality and manufacturing consistency.

• Measurement System Evaluation: Perform and assess Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R) studies to determine whether measurement systems provide reliable and consistent results.

• Quality Engineering Tools: Apply methods such as Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) to evaluate risk and support process validation.

• Problem Resolution: Investigate quality concerns, assess available evidence, and work with relevant departments to determine appropriate corrective actions.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to initiatives that improve process capability, strengthen quality controls, and reduce defects or unnecessary rework.

• Technical Development: Stay informed about relevant quality standards, engineering practices, and industry requirements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and customer teams to communicate findings, coordinate activities, and support operational objectives.

• Additional Support: Assist with other quality engineering activities as needed to meet business and customer requirements.

Required Qualifications and Preferred Experience

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, at least three years of related experience and training, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.

• Previous experience supporting Pratt & Whitney programs is preferred.

• Experience in aerospace manufacturing or another precision-engineering environment is an asset.

Technical Knowledge

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and apply ANSI Y14.5 dimensioning and tolerancing principles, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Familiarity with AS9102 requirements and the preparation of First Article Inspection documentation.

• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), PPAP, and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA).

• Experience working within an AS9100 quality management system.

• Understanding of process risk assessment, manufacturing quality controls, and measurement system evaluation.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma improvement techniques is preferred.

• Exposure to aerospace special processes, including heat treatment, shot peening, and non-destructive testing (NDT), is an advantage.

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to investigate technical problems using data, documentation, and sound reasoning.

• Attention to detail when reviewing drawings, inspection results, and quality records.

• Ability to interpret technical instructions, identify relevant facts, and develop well-supported conclusions.

• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical findings and present reports to employees, management, and customer representatives.

• A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively with teams across multiple departments.

Benefits Package

Eligible full-time employees have access to a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Disability insurance

• Additional employee benefits