Job Description

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more.

The Quality Engineer Lead oversees 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

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.