Quality Engineer

Kaleidoscope Innovation

$85K — $110K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related engineering field.
  • 10+ years of aerospace structures quality or manufacturing experience.
  • Strong understanding of AS9100 and FAA Part 21 requirements.
  • Experience leading QE teams or complex cross-functional quality initiatives.
  • Preferred certification: ASQ CQE/CQA or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a QE team focused on aircraft structural components.
  • Ensure compliance with AS9100 and FAA/EASA structural requirements.
  • Oversee inspection planning and material certification processes.
  • Drive root cause analysis for structural defects and nonconformances.
  • Partner with Design Engineering on structural qualification and risk mitigation.
  • Track quality performance metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support supplier quality across multiple manufacturing processes.

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Supportive work environment with a focus on team collaboration.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools in aerospace quality engineering.
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY

Quality Engineering (QE) Manager - Aerospace Structures

We are seeking a Quality Engineering Manager with deep experience in aerospace structures to lead quality activities across metallic and composite airframe components. This role manages a team of QEs supporting design, production, and supplier operations to ensure structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and flawless execution.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a QE team focused on aircraft structural components (fuselage, wings, empennage, composite assemblies).
  • Ensure product and process compliance with AS9100, FAA/EASA structural requirements, and customer standards.
  • Oversee FAI, structural inspection planning, NDI/NDT coordination, material certification, and special process controls.
  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions related to structural defects, nonconformances, fatigue/damage tolerance issues, and manufacturing escapes.
  • Partner with Design Engineering on structural qualification, test planning, DFM/A, and risk mitigation (FMEA, PFMEA).
  • Track quality performance metrics (scrap, rework, structural defects, MRB trends) and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support supplier quality for metallics, composites, machining, fabrication, and bonded assemblies.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, or related engineering field.
  • 10+ years of aerospace structures quality or manufacturing experience.
  • Strong understanding of AS9100, FAA Part 21 and structural conformity requirements.
  • Experience leading QE teams or complex cross-functional quality initiatives.

Preferred
  • ASQ CQE/CQA or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
  • Familiarity with MRB processes and digital QMS/PLM tools.


Physical & Mental Demands
  • Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for extended period of time
  • Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
  • Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
  • Moderate lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
  • Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
  • Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment
  • Ability to analyze unique situations and develop appropriate response
  • Additional Physical Requirements: file, speak, write, listen, read, type, understand
  • Additional Mental Requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, interpret

Environment
  • Work typically performed in an office setting.

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