Quality Engineer

Job Title: Quality EngineerJob DescriptionThis Quality Engineer role focuses on leading root cause investigations, driving corrective and preventive actions, and maintaining robust quality documentation in a high-growth aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. You will work extensively with cross-functional teams to resolve manufacturing and customer-related nonconformances, support audits, and continuously improve quality processes and procedures aligned with AS9100 and NADCAP standards.ResponsibilitiesLead and perform detailed root cause analyses (RCA) for manufacturing-related nonconformances and customer issues.Develop, implement, and track corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address identified root causes and prevent recurrence.Review, assess, and disposition nonconforming materials and products in alignment with internal procedures and customer requirements.Prepare, maintain, and control quality documentation, including records, reports, and supporting evidence for audits and customer requests.Plan for and support internal and external audits in an AS9100 and NADCAP environment, ensuring compliance with applicable standards.Investigate and respond to customer complaints, providing thorough analysis, corrective actions, and clear communication of findings.Create and support documentation packages (“data packs”) tied to shipments, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance with customer specifications.Develop, refine, and improve quality processes and procedures to enhance product quality, efficiency, and compliance.Monitor and stay current with customer-specific quality requirements, particularly for international customers, and ensure alignment of internal processes.Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, Production (operators and mechanics), and the Quality team to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement.Participate in regular customer meetings (approximately 1–2 per week) and maintain professional email communication to address quality-related topics.Support quality inspection activities and contribute to the effectiveness of the quality management system (QMS).Essential Skills3–5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering within a manufacturing environment.Demonstrated experience in aerospace or defense industries.Strong proficiency in root cause analysis (RCA) methodologies.Proven experience developing and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).Hands-on experience with AS9100 quality management systems.Experience supporting or participating in audits in an AS9100 and NADCAP environment.Strong background in quality documentation, including preparation, control, and audit support.Experience working with quality inspection activities and quality management systems (QMS).Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes, including welding-related quality considerations.Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Operations, Production, and Quality.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.Effective written and verbal communication skills for customer interaction and internal collaboration.Additional Skills & QualificationsEngineering degree preferred or equivalent technical education and experience.Experience working in an environment producing flight-critical components.Exposure to NADCAP-certified processes.Experience supporting international customers and their specific quality requirements.Comfort working in a fast-growing organization and adapting to evolving processes and structures.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a manufacturing facility located in San Diego, within an aerospace and defense environment certified to AS9100 and operating under NADCAP standards. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The position is investigation-heavy and primarily office-based, with a strong analytical focus and significant time spent sitting while reviewing data, documentation, and reports. You will work closely with a dedicated Quality team of approximately 14 people, including Quality Engineers, a Quality Supervisor, multiple Inspectors, and a Quality Manager, and will collaborate daily with Engineering, Operations, and Production personnel. The company is in a high-growth phase, expanding from around $20M to a projected $60M in revenue, with long-term goals of reaching approximately $ 100 M. It's a dynamic, growth-oriented environment where you can contribute to developing and improving quality systems and processes.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of El Cajon, CA.Pay And BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $31.00 - $40.00/hr.RequirementsEligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in El Cajon,CA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.