Quality Engineer

Position SummaryThe Quality Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems that ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal requirements. This role owns process quality, defect prevention, and continuous improvement, while providing technical leadership and oversight of Quality Control Inspectors.The Quality Engineer ensures inspection activities are aligned with engineering intent, control plans, and aerospace quality standards, and that inspection data is effectively used to improve process capability and product reliability. This position partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Tooling, and the Product Development Lab to support Wingard Aerospace’s precision manufacturing operations.Key ResponsibilitiesQuality Engineering & Process OwnershipPerform Purchase order Contract review with relation to Quality Control and Process Flow to ensure adequate Key Characteristics are identified, detailed traveler notes are in place to ensure contractual, purchase order, flow down and specification requirements are metEstablish and maintain process controls for advanced manufacturing operations, including:StampingLaser cutting Bonding Custom annealing and heat treatment Magnetic testing and validationPrecision CNC machining and secondary finishing processesSupport process validation and PPAP activities, ensuring readiness for production and customer approval.Nonconformance, Corrective & Preventive ActionLead root cause analysis and corrective action (CAPA) using structured problem-solving methods.Drive preventive actions to reduce variation, scrap, and repeat nonconformances.Oversee containment, disposition, and verification of non-conforming material.Ensure corrective actions are effective, documented, and sustained.Quality Control Leadership & OversightProvide direct technical and functional leadership to Quality Control Inspectors.Assign and prioritize inspection activities to support production schedules and customer requirements.Ensure inspection methods align with engineering drawings, GD&T, control plans, and customer specifications.Approve and maintain inspection instructions and verification methods.Ensure QC Inspectors are properly trained on:Measurement techniques and equipmentGD&T interpretationInspection documentation and traceability requirementsServe as the escalation point for inspection-related technical issues.Inspection & VerificationPerform or approve First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 and customer requirements.Support receiving, in-process, and final inspection activities for complex, high-risk, or customer-critical products.Ensure inspection remains a verification function, supporting process control and prevention efforts.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Tooling, and the Product Development Lab to resolve quality and production issues.Participate in APQP activities, PFMEA development, and process risk mitigation efforts.Represent Quality in cross-functional meetings related to inspection results, process performance, and corrective actions.Quality Systems & ComplianceMaintain quality records and documentation in compliance with AS9100D, ISO9001, and customer-specific aerospace/defense requirements.Support internal, customer, and third-party audits, including preparation and corrective action responses.Ensure material and product traceability requirements are met throughout the manufacturing process.Job RequirementsTechnical SkillsStrong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.Advanced knowledge of GD&T.Experience with NADCAP a plus.Experience with SPC, Control Plans, PFMEA, APQP, and PPAP.Hands-on experience with inspection and measurement equipment, including micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, indicators, gauges, CMMs, and vision systems.Familiarity with AS9100D and ISO9001 quality management systems.Experience with precision, tight-tolerance aerospace parts, components and assemblies.Professional SkillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-driven.Effective written and verbal communication skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills for data analysis.Education & Experience5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, Quality Assurance, or Quality Control within a manufacturing environment.High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or certifications preferred.Aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing experience strongly preferred.Physical RequirementsAbility to lift, push, and/or pull up to 30 lbs.Ability to use standard office and inspection equipment.Ability to follow proper safety procedures and wear required protective equipment.