QUALITY ENGINEER I

General Summary

The Quality Engineer I is responsible for ensuring that all hardware training devices produced by LSI meet established quality standards for reliability, usability, and performance. This role drives the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) while ensuring compliance with applicable technical, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Essential Job Functions

•   Develops and implements quality control procedures, standards, and specifications to meet organizational and regulatory requirements.

•   Interprets and implements quality assurance standards.

•   Defines and classifies critical quality characteristics for products and processes.

•   Develops and implements process control methods, including control plans and critical control points.

•   Leads internal and supplier quality audits, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001.

•   Ensures material identification, traceability, segregation, and classification of nonconforming products.

•   Participates in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition decisions.

•   Renders sampling procedures (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4, Z1.9) and directions for recording and reporting of quality data and develops trend analysis of the data collected.

•   Applies design and risk management tools such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), and Design for X (DFX).

•   Reads and interprets technical drawings, publications, technical manuals, performance specifications, and statements of work and ensures that work produced meets the requirements outlined within these drawings and documents.

•   Ensures proper calibration, traceability, and maintenance of measurement systems.

•   Performs Measurement System Analysis (MSA), including gage R&R, bias, linearity, and stability evaluations.

•   Prepares and presents quality performance reports to management, including dashboards and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

•   Conducts and monitors testing and inspection of materials and products produced to ensure they meet finished product quality standards outlined in the accompanying technical data.

•   Identifies internal and external quality requirements for new product introduction – Certificate of Conformity (CoC), First Article Inspection (FAI), material certificate, hardware inspection plans, inspection programming, critical features, sampling etc.

•   Collaborates with all levels of management and other technical team members to develop, execute, and oversee inspection and test plans to ensure products meet defined quality standards.

•   Participates in cross-functional drawing and design reviews to ensure quality standards and compliance requirements are met.

•   Aids in the documenting of management systems, Manufacturing Order generation, and control.

•   Identifies areas for improvement in the quality system.

•   Investigates customer complaints, conducts root cause analysis for quality issues using tools such as 8D, Fishbone Diagrams, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA); implements Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAR/PAR). Conducts experiments methodically, analyzes data, and interpret results.

•   Assists in the interpretation of ISO 9001 and helps in the development of processes and procedures to meet the ISO standard in the Manufacturing and Production environment.

•   Performs departmental audits of manufacturing and production areas for ISO compliance in support of internal and external ISO 9001 audits.

•   Identifies training needs and organizes training interventions to meet quality standards.

•   Must be capable of safely handling government-furnished equipment and materials.

•   Must be available to work a standard weekly schedule with overtime as required.

•   Mentors and provides technical guidance to junior personnel.

•   Supports continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and engineering functions.

•   Performs other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

•   None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•   Must have in-depth understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).

•   Must have in-depth understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., casting, machining, assembly, sheet metal fabrication, and welding).

•   Proficient in quality assurance methods and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).

•   Must have an excellent working knowledge of aviation maintenance, manufacturing, and production technical requirements.

•   Highly knowledgeable of Quality Assurance (QA) tools, concepts and methodologies.

•   Proficiency in quality tools and software (e.g., Minitab, Statistical Process Control software, Enterprise Resource Planning systems); Strong statistical, analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent technical writing and documentation abilities.

•   Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications; effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration; detail-oriented with a proactive approach to issue resolution; capability to work under pressure in a dynamic production environment; physical ability to perform shop floor inspections and audits.

•   Exceptional knowledge in the use of precision measuring equipment.

•   Knowledge of Hexagon Romer Arm and Verisurf Software or other equivalent CMM hardware and software.

•   Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

•   Must be customer service oriented.

•   Strong knowledge of quality engineering principles, tools, and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC, FMEA, MSA).

•   Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and problem-solving techniques.

•   Strong leadership, facilitation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

•   Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

•   High attention to detail and strong decision-making capability.

•   Must be able to obtain a security clearance when required by the contract.

Education and Experience

•   Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field) required.

•   Minimum of two (2) years of applicable engineering experience.

•   Quality Engineering/Quality Assurance experience preferred.

•   Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) and/or American Society for Quality (ASQ) preferred.

•   Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is highly desirable.

•   Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.

•   Experience working within an ISO 9001-compliant quality system.

•   Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vets.