Aerospace Quality Engineer – Level 2

Votaw Precision Technologies LLC; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivace, located at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, seeks a Level 2 Aerospace Quality Engineer to drive quality initiatives across manufacturing and engineering. You will lead QMS activities, perform RCCA/CAPA, and coordinate MRB decisions to ensure AS9100/ISO 9001 compliance and adherence to FAA/EASA requirements.

You will mentor junior staff, monitor key quality metrics, and liaise with customers and regulators during audits to strengthen supplier quality and reduce defects in aerospace

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical/industrial engineering or equivalent.
• 2–5 years in aerospace quality engineering or related field.
• Strong QA practice knowledge and aerospace standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA/EASA).
• Ability to interpret drawings, GD&T, specs and inspection methods.
• Experience with FAI, PPAP, or equivalent documentation.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement.
• Strong RCCA/problem-solving skills with quality tools (5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, SPC).
• Excellent written and verbal communication with cross-functional teams and customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead QMS implementation and improvements per AS9100/ISO 9001.
• Conduct inspections, audits, and process verifications against drawings.
• Perform RCCA/CAPA to prevent recurrence of issues.
• Support MRB activities for nonconforming hardware.
• Manage quality documentation: FAIs, NCRs, and audit findings.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality and compliance.
• Monitor quality metrics and drive improvement projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and inspectors.
• Liaise with customers and regulators during audits.

Skills

AS9100

ISO 9001

GD&T

Root cause analysis

CAPA

MRB

Quality assurance

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

First Article Inspection (FAI)

PPAP

Job description

Company Background & Position Summary

Vivace is an innovative aerospace and defense engineering and manufacturing company specializing in the design, development, manufacture, and testing of integrated spaceflight systems, aerostructures, precision tooling, and advanced aerospace components. Located within NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, Vivace supports some of the world's most advanced commercial aerospace, defense, and space programs through engineering excellence, manufacturing expertise, and a commitment to mission success.

Vivace is entering an exciting period of accelerated growth, operational expansion, and organizational development. The Human Resources team plays a critical role in supporting this growth by building strong leaders, developing scalable people processes, and creating an engaging, high-performance culture.

The Level 2 Aerospace Quality Engineer is a mid-level role responsible for independently supporting and driving quality assurance initiatives across aerospace manufacturing and engineering operations. This position ensures compliance with regulatory, customer, and industry standards while leading problem-solving, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action activities. The role partners closely with engineering, production, and suppliers to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Lead the implementation, monitoring, and improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and applicable aerospace regulations.


• Conduct and lead inspections, audits, and process verifications to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.


• Perform detailed root cause analysis and lead corrective/preventive action (RCCA/CAPA) activities to prevent recurrence of issues.


• Support and make recommendations in Material Review Board (MRB) activities for nonconforming hardware.


• Manage quality documentation, including First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102, Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), and audit findings.


• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality concerns, improve supplier performance, and ensure compliance with aerospace standards.


• Monitor, analyze, and report key quality metrics (yield, defect rates, escapes, cost of poor quality) and drive improvement projects.


• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and inspectors.


• Act as a liaison with customers and regulatory agencies during audits and inspections.

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience).


• 2-5 years of experience in aerospace quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or related field.


• Strong understanding of quality assurance practices, regulatory requirements, and aerospace standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA/EASA regulations).


• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and inspection methods.


• Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI), PPAP, or equivalent documentation.


• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.


• Skilled in root cause analysis, problem-solving techniques, and use of quality tools (5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, SPC).


• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to interact with cross-functional teams and external customers.

Growth Path

This role provides the opportunity to expand into advanced quality engineering positions such as Level 3 Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality Engineer, Program Quality Engineer, or Quality Manager, with increasing leadership and strategic responsibilities.

Personal Attributes & Competencies

• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.


• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills.


• Ability to work with limited supervision including using sound judgment to execute independent decisions and departmental initiatives.


• Adept at reading, writing, and interpreting technical documentation and procedure manuals.


• Highly self-motivated and directed.


• Keen attention to detail.


• Skilled at working within a team-oriented, collaborative environment.


• Ability to learn new technologies and adapt to change.


• High level of technical expertise and accuracy.


• Demonstrated accountability & ownership standards.


• Willingness to collaborate & and foster mentorship.


• Quality & Continuous Improvement focus.

Work Conditions

• 40+ hours onsite work week.


• Sitting for extended periods of time.


• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other computer components.


• This role is performed in a manufacturing and machine shop environment, requiring use of precision equipment, exposure to noise, lubricants, and shop materials. PPE is required at all times.


• Occasional overtime and shift flexibility may be