The Quality Engineer Lead leads the Quality function within the assigned Value Stream and serves as the Quality representative for programs, customers, and internal operations. This role functions as both a technical Quality Engineer on select programs and as the leader of Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors. The QEL is accountable for Value Stream quality performance, systemic issue resolution, and development of Quality talent.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Development

• Leads and develops Quality Engineers and Quality Inspectors

• Sets goals, conducts performance reviews, and identifies training needs

• Distributes workload to support business priorities

• Establishes consistent quality best practices across the Value Stream

• Represents Quality in Valuestream meetings & Gemba reviews

Business and Quality Performance

• Supports Value Stream and Operations leadership in achieving safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets through leading problem solving and corrective actions.

• Tracks and analyzes quality performance, trends, and systemic issues

• Inclusive of verifying effectiveness of corrective actions.

• Drives continuous improvement to reduce defects and variation

Audit and Compliance

• Represents the Value Stream in customer, regulatory, and internal quality audits

• Reviews and approves audit responses

• Ensures compliance with quality system and customer requirements

Customer and Supplier Interface

• Serves as the primary Quality point of contact for customers within the Value Stream

• Interfaces with customer quality representatives and participates in quality meetings

• Supports supplier visits and audits related to Value Stream programs

Program and Engineering Support

• Supports programs from proposal through shipment

• Participates in proposal reviews for quality scope and labor

• Reviews product drawings and approves inspection plans

• Participates in design and risk reviews (e.g., PDRs, CDRs, FMEAs)

• Identifies potential defect opportunities and ensures product conformance

• Defines how product conformance will be verified

Configuration and Change Control

• Acts as Quality representative for change and review boards as assigned

• Assesses impact of changes to production and in-process product

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

• Experience in Quality Engineering in a manufacturing environment

• Aerospace or regulated manufacturing experience preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to interpret customer specifications and develop quality plans

• Knowledge of AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality systems

• Experience with corrective and preventive action

• Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement skills

• Experience supporting internal and external audits

• Proficient with Microsoft Office

• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

• Experience in aerospace or defense quality systems

• Experience supporting new product development