Principal Quality Engineer Specialist

About CIRCOR Aerospace & DefenseCIRCOR Aerospace & Defense is focused on the design, development, and manufacture of specialty fluid and motion control products for demanding aerospace and defense applications. CIRCOR products are flying on most commercial and military aircraft, including single and twin aisle air transport, business and regional jets, military transports and fighters, and commercial and military rotorcraft. Other markets include unmanned aircraft, shipboard applications, and military ground vehicles.Business units are in Corona, California; Warren, Massachusetts; Hauppauge, New York; Paris, France; Uxbridge, UK; and Tangier, Morocco. Parent company CIRCOR International is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts and CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense is headquartered in Corona, California.POSITION DETAILSRole and ResponsibilitiesActing as first line QA contact for customer calls regarding product problems; then liaising internally with appropriate persons to give the customer a prompt response.Raising and closing In Service Defect Reports (ISDRs).Where appropriate raising of Corrective Action Requests (CARs) and leading root cause corrective action (RCCA).Validate and respond to corrective and preventive action requests (from both internal and external customers)Provide leadership in product improvement programs to correct in-field defects and manufacturing abnormalities.Working with production and other departments to resolve queries.Carry out detailed "root-cause analysis" and formulate corrective actions. Manage the process of driving changes and improvements as a result of this.Liaising with purchasing and with suppliers to resolve any supplier certification issues.Direct contact with customers and suppliers on QA related matters.Provide technical guidance on quality standards, specifications, and processes.Drive improvements in key defect drivers, processes, and systems to enhance assembly performance and meet site quality objectives.Collect and analyze data to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement of product and process qualityKey quality representative on new product introduction teams responsible for contract review and driving design-for-quality on new product introduction teamsManage major program manufacturing process qualificationProvide quality witness on tear down of customer returned materialLead Material Review Board driving timeliness evaluations, disposition and approval of defects found during incoming, in-process and final inspections.Participate in Configuration Control Board, approving configuration changesDevelop process flow charts/diagrams and process failure mode effects analyses reportsCreate statistically valid control plans for manufacturing processesUse of lean and six sigma tools to drive variation reductionConduct and participate in quality system, process, and product auditsProvide technical leadership to inspection team membersSupport product/process certifications and approvalsComply with all company policies/proceduresComply with all military and contractual requirementsPerform other job-related duties as assigned by managementCANDIDATE REQUIREMENTSRequired skillsA strong interest in Quality Assurance in the widest sense is prerequisite with an aptitude for problem solving and continuous improvement.The job holder should have an outgoing personality and be comfortable dealing with customers and internal personnel at all levels.Excellent problem-solving skills aimed at identifying and correcting the root causes of problems.Demonstrated working knowledge of problem-solving tools: 5-Whys, failure mode and effects analysis, 8-D, Pareto analysis, fault tree analysis, Bayesian inference and Ishikawa diagrams.Thorough knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio, Project, and other applicable tools.Knowledge of Mil Spec Standards.Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a technical field required with relevant work experience.Experience with AS9100 and/or ISO9001 quality management systems.Experience in Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement practices.Experience with leading root cause corrective action (RCCA) and applying quality methodologies and tools.Experience with PPAP, Control Plans, FMEA's, and problem-solving techniquesStrong verbal and written communication skills.A minimum of 10+ years of progressive quality systems and process quality experience in a manufacturing environment.US CitizenCIRCOR offers a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package, most of which are effective Day 1 of employment. These include medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, 401k with company match, company-paid life and disability, paid vacation, and paid holidays.CIRCOR is an equal opportunity employer, which means we will not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruiting and hiring through separation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing and fostering an inclusive workplace for all our team members.