Senior Quality Engineer

NextGenEnergyJobs; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 166,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health plans

HSA with company contribution

Paid time off & holidays

Parental leave (16 weeks)

Wellness program & EAP

Home office reimbursement

Monthly phone/internet reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement & LinkedIn Learn

Equity

Job summary

NextGenEnergyJobs is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer for our San Francisco manufacturing operations. You will drive QMS implementation, collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain, and lead hands-on inspections and root-cause analysis.

This full-time, in-office role requires strong GD&T skills, ISO 9001/AS9100 experience, and a passion for Lean and continuous improvement. Mentoring and cross-functional teamwork are essential to elevate product reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations.
• 2+ years hands-on experience as a quality technician or inspection engineer.
• Ability to support Quality Leads/Managers in managing quality workflows, technician activities, and QMS initiatives.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar QMS (implementation/audit support preferred).
• Exceptional ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings and GD&T.
• Proficiency with precision tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, CMM/optical).
• Lean manufacturing principles, 5S, root-cause methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Familiarity with export-controlled information policies and safeguarding requirements.
• Experience establishing/scaling quality functions in high-growth hardware/startup environments.
• Green/Black Belt or CQE/CQA/CQM certifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation and maintenance of quality management systems.
• Collaborate daily with design, manufacturing, testing, and supply chain teams to drive quality objectives.
• Lead hands-on quality inspections, root-cause analysis, and shop-floor troubleshooting.
• Mentor junior technicians and coach teams on quality practices and lean methods.

Skills

Quality systems

GD&T

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Root cause analysis

Documentation & audits

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ISO 9001 / AS9100 QMS

QMS platforms (ERP/QMS)

Job description

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history.

Key Responsibilities

• We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Quality Engineer to support the implementation of our quality management systems and drive process design and continuous improvement in our San Francisco manufacturing facility. In this role, you will work in close partnership with the Quality Engineer Lead to execute strategic quality objectives, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate product reliability across our manufacturing operations.
• You will collaborate with a small team of quality technicians while interfacing daily with cross-functional teams including product design engineers, manufacturing personnel, test/maintenance teams, and supply chain. In addition to driving process improvement, you will remain actively engaged in hands-on quality inspection, root-cause analysis, and shop-floor troubleshooting, ensuring a solid foundation of knowledge about our parts and products. This role will appeal to individuals who enjoy strategic problem-solving, operational rigor, and mentoring others.
• This is a full-time, in-office position based in our San Francisco HQ 5 days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, or manufacturing operations.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience working as a quality technician or inspection engineer.
• Ability to support Quality Leads/Managers in managing quality workflows, technician activities, and QMS initiatives.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems (implementation and audit support experience preferred).
• Exceptional ability to read and interpret complex mechanical engineering drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Highly proficient with precision tools including calipers, micrometers, drop gauges, height gauges, dial indicators, and CMM/optical comparator tools.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, root-cause methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
• Familiarity with Cal/OSHA health and safety regulations within manufacturing settings.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Microsoft Office, ERP/QMS platforms, and technical documentation tools.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) and/or ASQ Certification (CQE, CQA, CQM).
• Experience establishing or scaling quality functions within high-growth hardware or startup environments.
• High desire and aptitude to support Quality Leads/Managers while coaching and growing junior technicians.
• Success in executing root-cause countermeasures that yield measurable quality and yield improvements.
• This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
• These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off in addition to holidays and company-wide days off
• 16 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity
• Commuter Benefits (if local to an office)