Lead Quality Engineer – Aerospace Manufacturing

CAEtech Inc.; Beltsville (MD); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CAEtech seeks an experienced Lead Quality Engineer for aerospace manufacturing on a 3-month full-time contract in Beltsville, MD. This on-site role leads quality systems, supplier quality, audits, and continuous improvement across manufacturing projects.

Ideal candidates have AS9100, AS13100, GD&T, CAPA/8D, and strong root-cause skills, with a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 3+ years in aerospace quality. ITAR compliance knowledge is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Experience with aerospace manufacturing quality systems and corrective-action processes.
• ITAR compliance and audito ry support knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality Systems activities supporting manufacturing operations and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate Supplier Quality, calibration, audits and special-process activities.
• Drive Quality Leading Indicator activities and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Support root cause analysis and sustainable corrective action for manufacturing and quality issues.
• Lead and mentor quality personnel and identify training needs.
• Establish and achieve Quality Systems goals aligned with plant objectives.
• Support customer and third-party assessments and host auditors as required.
• Coordinate Supplier Quality activities across internal orgs and suppliers.
• Monitor customer requirements and ensure appropriate actions and compliance.
• Apply Quality Management System and continuous-improvement tools.
• Support key manufacturing projects including launching internal manufacturing for a product and inspection activities involving CNC machine cutters.

Skills

Quality leadership

AS9100 knowledge

AS13100 knowledge

GD&T

Process control

Root cause analysis

CAPA & 8D

Reading blueprints

MS Office

cross-functional leadership

Education

B.E. / B.S. in Engineering

Graduate degree (preferred)

Job description

CAEtech is seeking an experienced Lead Quality Engineer – Aerospace Manufacturing for a 3-month full-time contract position with benefits supporting quality engineering and manufacturing operations at a customer facility in Beltsville, Maryland.

This position is 100% onsite in Beltsville, Maryland, five days per week. Hybrid and remote work are not available. No per diem or relocation assistance is provided.

This role will provide quality leadership across manufacturing and quality systems activities, including supplier quality, audits, calibration, special processes, corrective actions and continuous improvement. The position will also support several key manufacturing projects requiring strong knowledge of aerospace quality standards, root cause analysis and process control.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quality Systems activities supporting manufacturing operations and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and prioritize Supplier Quality, calibration, audits and special-process activities.
• Drive Quality Leading Indicator activities and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Support root cause analysis and sustainable corrective action for manufacturing and quality issues.
• Lead and mentor quality personnel and identify team training and development needs.
• Establish and achieve Quality Systems goals aligned with plant and Quality Department objectives.
• Support customer and third-party assessments and host auditors as required.
• Coordinate Supplier Quality activities across internal organizations and suppliers.
• Monitor customer requirements and ensure appropriate actions and compliance.
• Apply Quality Management System and continuous-improvement tools to improve manufacturing quality and effectiveness.
• Support key manufacturing projects including preparing an outside source for product manufacturing, launching internal manufacturing for a product, and inspection activities involving CNC machine cutters.

Skills Required

• Strong knowledge of aerospace/manufacturing Quality Systems.
• AS9100 and AS13100 quality standards.
• ES9102 / First Article Inspection.
• GD&T.
• Process Control.
• Root Cause Analysis.
• CAPA and 8D problem-solving.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications and technical requirements.
• Knowledge of coordinate measuring systems.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality software.
• Strong communication, leadership and cross-functional problem-solving skills.

Skills Preferred

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• ASQ CQE or CMQ/OE certification.

Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.

Education Preferred

Graduate degree from an accredited institution.

Experience Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience in an aerospace manufacturing or quality environment.
• Demonstrated experience with manufacturing Quality Systems, quality problem-solving and corrective-action processes.

Experience Preferred

• 5 years of aerospace quality/manufacturing experience.
• 5 years working in a Quality Systems function.
• 3 years of people-management experience.
• Aerospace industry experience, including experience supporting organizations such as GE, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell or Pratt & Whitney. Automotive manufacturing experience may also be considered if suitable aerospace candidates are unavailable.

Eligibility Requirements

This position involves information or hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person as defined by ITAR.

About CAEtech

CAEtech connects talent, technology and innovation to help organizations and professionals move programs, technologies and opportunities forward. Founded in 1989, CAEtech has decades of experience connecting specialized engineering, technology and professional talent with leading organizations and technology-driven programs. Our experience spans mobility and automotive, advanced manufacturing, software and digital technologies, and other emerging technology markets.