MANUFACTURING QUALITY ENGINEER

Kform; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kform seeks a Manufacturing Quality Engineer to ensure all processes and products meet the highest quality standards in defense manufacturing. You will lead quality controls, audits, and problem-solving across manufacturing and design teams.

Ideal candidates have AS9100 experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a high-precision environment. This on-site role in Sterling, VA supports critical defense programs and tight schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in quality engineering or manufacturing QA, preferably in defense/aerospace.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and AS9100 standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control processes meeting AS9100 requirements.
• Conduct inspections and audits of processes to identify improvements and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to address issues and drive improvements.
• Analyze quality data, generate reports, and present findings to support decisions.
• Lead root-cause analysis and problem-solving for non-conforming materials/products (5 Why, Six Sigma).
• Maintain documentation for quality processes, inspection plans, and SOPs.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure audit readiness of quality systems.
• Train production staff on quality standards, inspection techniques, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to design reviews to ensure manufacturability and quality considerations.
• Ensure proper calibration/maintenance of inspection/testing equipment.

Skills

Quality engineering

AS9100 knowledge

Root cause analysis

Six Sigma / 5 Why

Audit & inspection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Quality related field

Tools

SPC (Statistical Process Control)

Quality management software

Job description

Manufacturing Quality Engineer

About Kform Kform is a leader in transforming innovative technology for defense applications. We offer commercialization services, including tech scouting, product development, scalable manufacturing, and business development, driven by a team of experts dedicated to pioneering solutions for national defense.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Quality Engineer at Kform will be responsible for ensuring that all manufacturing processes and products meet the highest quality standards. This role requires a strong background in quality engineering, familiarity with AS9100 standards, and the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Quality Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining Kform's reputation for excellence in precision defense manufacturing by implementing quality controls, conducting audits, and leading problem-solving initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality control processes to ensure that all products meet or exceed customer and industry standards, including AS9100 requirements.


• Conduct regular inspections and audits of manufacturing processes, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with quality standards.


• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams to address quality issues, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.


• Analyze quality data, generate reports, and present findings to management to support decision-making and process optimization.


• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts for non-conforming materials and products, using methodologies such as 5 Why and Six Sigma.


• Develop and maintain documentation related to quality processes, inspection plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).


• Support the preparation and execution of internal and external audits, ensuring that all quality systems are audit-ready at all times.


• Train and mentor production staff on quality standards, inspection techniques, and continuous improvement practices.


• Participate in the development and review of new product designs, providing input to ensure manufacturability and quality considerations are integrated into the design process.


• Ensure that all equipment used for inspection and testing is properly calibrated and maintained according to the required schedules.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, or a related field.


• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in quality engineering or manufacturing quality assurance, preferably in the defense or aerospace industry.


• Strong understanding of quality management systems and AS9100 standards.


• Experience with root cause analysis, problem-solving methodologies, and continuous improvement tools (e.g., Six Sigma, 5 Why).

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar certification.


• Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data analysis techniques. Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, assembly, and testing.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.


• Proficiency in quality management software and tools.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on quality improvement and defect prevention.


• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, specifications, and standards.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing quality documentation and reports.


• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams to achieve quality objectives.


• Proficiency in using quality management tools and software for tracking and analyzing quality metrics.

Working Conditions

• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and other elements.


• Standing, walking, and working on the production floor for extended periods.


• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required during inspections and audits.

Other Requirements

• Commitment to upholding Kform core values, including aggressive value, extreme ownership, and continuous improvement.


• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed to support manufacturing schedules and quality initiatives.


• May require occasional travel to support supplier audits and quality assessments.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Manufacturing Quality Engineer at Kform will ensure that our manufacturing processes deliver high-quality products that meet the rigorous demands of the defense industry, supporting Kform's mission to pioneer innovative solutions for national defense.