Quality Engineering Specialist

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

$77K — $98K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 3+ years in engineering/software development, with at least 1 year in quality assurance.
  • Strong working knowledge of AS9100.
  • Understanding of engineering development tools and methodologies.
  • Proven ability to conduct internal audits and lead investigations.
  • Experience in a regulated aerospace or defense environment.
  • Excellent communication and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide pre-contract quality support and estimate QA efforts.
  • Prepare and implement QA plans for projects.
  • Act as quality lead, ensuring compliance with AS9100 standards.
  • Conduct process/product audits and track corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed quality in development phases.
  • Monitor test activities for adherence to approved plans.
  • Lead quality reviews, investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one.
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program and onsite fitness facilities.
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months.
  • Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, and parental leaves.
  • Career development opportunities and educational assistance support.
  • Additional perks like employee discounts, free onsite parking, and social clubs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Quality Engineering (QE) Specialist to join our Quality team in Ottawa, Halifax or Calgary. Reporting to the Quality Manager, the QE Specialist plays a key role within integrated project teams, ensuring compliance with internal processes and external standards including AS9100 and or ISO9001. This position supports both engineering development and product lifecycle activities, with a strong emphasis on software, quality compliance, and audit leadership.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Provide pre-contract quality support, including estimating the effort required to implement Quality Assurance (QA) activities and contributing to proposal documentation.
  • Prepare and implement project-specific QA plans and contribute quality-related inputs to broader project documentation.
  • Act as the quality lead for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with AS9100, and other relevant contractual or airworthiness standards.
  • Interface with the DND TAA (within DTAES), and customer quality representatives during software audits (e.g., SOIs).
  • Conduct independent process and product audits, identify non-conformances, issue corrective actions, and track them to closure.
  • Serve on Configuration Control Boards (CCB) and Material Review Boards (MRB); support design reviews and configuration audits.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality, and Product Support to ensure quality considerations are embedded across all phases of development, sustainment, and supply chain interactions.
  • Monitor formal test activities (e.g., acceptance, qualification) for adherence to approved test plans and procedures; ensure evidence supports certification and compliance.
  • Lead and participate in project and quality review meetings, including setting agendas, facilitating discussions, documenting actions, and ensuring follow-up.
  • Lead quality-related reviews, investigations, and root cause analyses, and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Use data and statistical analysis to monitor quality performance, identify trends, and support corrective/preventive action planning.
  • Report quality metrics and present findings during quality forums, project gates, and leadership reviews.
  • Engage in proactive risk identification, mitigation planning, and knowledge sharing throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


Qualifications

What You Need to Have to Succeed
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in engineering or software development, with at least 1 year in a quality assurance role.
  • Strong working knowledge of AS9100.
  • A sound understanding of current engineering development / tools methodologies and standards.
  • Proven ability to conduct internal audits, lead investigations, and lead cross-functional teams to resolution.
  • Experience supporting software and systems development within a regulated aerospace or defense environment.
  • Excellent communication and reporting skills; ability to influence across functions and levels.
  • Familiarity with lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

What Makes You Stand Out
  • Membership in a professional quality body (e.g. ASQ).
  • Experience interfacing with government/defense QA authorities.
  • Knowledge of Systems Engineering and Engineering Development processes.
  • Proficiency in DOORs.
  • Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models.

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance. Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

Additional Information

The expected hiring range for this position is $77,000 - $98,000 CAD annual.

Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:
  • Relevant experience
  • Technical and non-technical skills
  • Education and certifications

Benefits
As a full-time employee at General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada, you'll enjoy a competitive total rewards package that supports your professional and personal well-being:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents from day one (no cost), including flexible benefits options (HCSA) emergency travel insurance, and 24/7 virtual care services.
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), onsite fitness facilities, and employee resource groups.
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan with employer contributions after 3 months, RRSP access from day one, and financial planning support.
  • Flexible time off including vacation, holidays, parental leaves with top-up options, sick leave, and disability programs.
  • Career development through learning platforms, educational assistance, mentoring, and reimbursement of professional memberships.
  • Additional perks such as employee discounts, free onsite parking, social clubs, and an annual scholarship program for employees' children.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Quality Engineering Specialist jobs: