Lead Product Quality Engineer, Aerospace & Defense

VulcanForms Inc.; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan with company match

Job summary

VulcanForms Inc. is seeking a Lead Product Quality Engineer, Aerospace & Defense to own quality strategy and execution for customer programs. You will set the technical standard for quality systems in our high-tech digital production environment and mentor other quality engineers.

You will lead validation, CAPA, and QC program governance, partnering with Manufacturing and Process teams to improve quality and manufacturability across programs.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in quality engineering within a highly regulated advanced manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace/defense.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Proven mastery of FAIRs, CPV studies, and DFMEA/PFMEA.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary quality engineering lead for designated product lines, managing product lifecycle quality from initial validation through steady-state production.
• Lead and execute process validations and verification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for NPI and line expansions.
• Investigate complex product non-conformances (NCRs), lead MRBs, and drive CAPAs to eliminate systemic failure modes.
• Deploy and monitor SPC frameworks, define CTQ metrics, and optimize metrology/testing protocols across the factory floor.
• Author, review, and approve critical quality system documents (DHFs, DMRs, DHRs) to maintain audit readiness.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process, and Machine Engineering to implement proactive quality controls and DFMA initiatives.
• Build a high-performing team by providing technical guidance, coaching, and peer reviews for junior quality engineers and technicians.

Skills

Quality engineering

NPI experience

CAPA analysis

Metrology

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Lead Product Quality Engineer, Aerospace & Defense

About Us

Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.

Job Purpose

VulcanFormsis hiring a Lead Product Quality Engineer, Aerospace & Defense to own quality strategy and execution for customer programs within our aerospace & defense business unit. You will set the technical standard for quality systems and process control within our high-tech digital production environment. This role goes beyond individual task execution to shape how quality is built into the program from the outset, mentor and develop other quality engineers supporting the program, and represent quality engineering in cross-functional product development & ongoing production initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary quality engineering lead for designated product lines, managing product lifecycle quality frominitialvalidation through steady-state production.
• Lead and execute comprehensive process validations and verification activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new product introductions (NPI) and existing line expansions.
• Independently investigate complex product non-conformances (NCRs), lead material review boards (MRBs), and drive the execution of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) toeliminatesystemic failure modes.
• Own the deployment and monitoring of SPC frameworks, defining critical-to-quality (CTQ) metrics andoptimizingmetrology and testing protocols across the factory floor.
• Author, review, and approve critical quality system documentation (including DHFs, DMRs, and DHRs) tomaintaincontinuous audit readiness.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process, and Machine Engineering teams during normal business hours to implement proactive quality controls and design-for-manufacturability initiatives.
• Build a high, performing team byprovidingtechnical guidance, coaching, and peer reviews for junior quality engineers and inspection technicians

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive quality engineering experience within a highly regulated advanced manufacturing environment, with strong preference for aerospace & defense experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field preferred.
• Proven mastery of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), process capabilitystudies ,and formal risk management tools (DFMEA/PFMEA).
• Hands-on experience working under AS9100 or ISO13485quality management systems.
• Familiarity with metal alloys, metallurgy, precision machining, or metal additive manufacturing processes.
• ASQ certifications (CQE, CRE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt a plus

VulcanFormsoffers a competitive salary and equity package.Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.In addition,VulcanFormsprovides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with companymatch.

The annual base salary range for this position is $117,400 to $161,500.