Quality Assurance Engineer

Description

Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting-edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast-paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies—technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol's global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world's largest interconnect solution providers.

Position Overview:

The Quality Engineer helps maintain and continuously improve our AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality management system and to drive quality across the full product lifecycle — from supplier and incoming material through in-process build, test, and final delivery. Partnering with engineering, production, and supply chain, you will lead root cause investigations, disposition nonconforming material, support inspection and first article activities, and ensure our military- and space-grade hardware consistently meets customer and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and improve the AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality management system, including procedures, work instructions, and quality records.
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations using structured methods such as 8D, 5-Why, and fishbone analysis, and drive closed-loop corrective and preventive action (CAPA).
• Disposition nonconforming material and facilitate the Material Review Board (MRB) process, coordinating with engineering and customers as required.
• Plan, perform, and support First Article Inspection (FAI) in accordance with AS9102.
• Develop and review inspection plans, control plans, and quality documentation; interpret engineering drawings and GD&T (per ASME Y14.5).
• Apply statistical methods (SPC, process capability / Cpk, Gage R&R) to monitor and improve process performance.
• Manage supplier quality activities, including supplier evaluation, source inspection, and Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
• Plan and conduct internal audits (per AS9101) and support customer, third-party, and certification body audits.
• Support risk management and process FMEAs, counterfeit-parts prevention (AS5553), and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) controls.
• Investigate customer complaints, returns (RMAs), and quality escapes, and communicate corrective actions to customers.
• Maintain calibration and measurement systems, ensuring traceability of gages and test equipment.
• Provide day-to-day quality engineering support to production, reinforcing workmanship standards (J-STD-001, IPC-A-610).
• Responsible for performing all tasks in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state, and federal safety and health regulations, and special safety concerns.

What We're Looking For:

Minimum:

• 3–5 years of quality engineering experience in an electronics, aerospace, or defense manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Quality) or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management system requirements.
• Experience with FAI (AS9102), root cause and corrective action, nonconformance/MRB disposition.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
• Proficiency with statistical quality tools (SPC, process capability, sampling) and standard quality/inspection methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, quick-turn environment.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15) due to access to export-controlled technical data.

Preferred:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or AS9100 / ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience with RF/microwave, high-reliability (hi-rel), or space-qualified electronic hardware.
• Familiarity with soldering and workmanship standards (J-STD-001, IPC-A-610) and MIL-STD-202 / MIL-STD-883 test methods.
• Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt) and Lean manufacturing experience.
• Experience with counterfeit-parts avoidance (AS5553), FOD prevention programs, and DPAS-rated defense production.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs. of test equipment with assistance.
• Fast-paced environment with frequent interaction with supervisors.
• Comfortable working on your feet in a production environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a collaborative environment with growth opportunities.
• Be part of a supportive team focused on quality and efficiency.
• The work Schedule is a Standard 9/80 @ 7am-4:30pm. With every other Friday off.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching 
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Summary

This position is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers in manufacturing and production. 

Q Microwave is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today!