Prin QA Engineer

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems (CA); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) in San Diego, CA is seeking a Principal QA Engineer to develop and implement methods for process control, testing, and inspection to ensure defect-free products. You will analyze defects, drive corrective actions, and collaborate with customers and suppliers to improve quality programs.

The role requires a strong quality background, the ability to lead teams, and compliance with ISO 9001.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Establishes quality standards for products and processes and suggests modifications to prevent defects.
• Works with cross-functional teams to identify and mitigate quality risks.
• Audits production processes, raw materials, or suppliers to ensure quality standards are met.
• Conducts root cause analysis for defects and non-conformities.
• Ensures compliance with external quality standards such as ISO 9001.

Education

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Prin QA Engineer

Job Locations: US-CA-San Diego

Requisition ID: 2026-35591

Position Type: Full Time

Position Classification: On-Site

Job Function: Quality

Company Overview

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters. Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Job Summary

Develops and implements methods and procedures for process control, process improvement, testing and inspection to ensure that the products are free of flaws and function as designed. Analyzes reports and defective products to determine trends and recommend corrective actions. Collaborates with customer and supplier representatives on quality problems, ensures that effective corrective actions are implemented and contributes to supplier quality improvement programs. This role ensures proactive communication, problem-solving, and oversight to prevent discrepancies and escalations that could jeopardize business continuity and customer trust.

Impact of the Role

General Profile

• Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
• Leads others to solve complex problems
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
• May lead functional teams or projects
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions

• Establishes quality standards for products and processes and suggest modifications meant to prevent defects in components or final products.
• Works closely with cross-functional teams, including product design, product management, and production, to identify and mitigate quality risks.
• Audits production processes, raw materials, or suppliers/vendors to ensure that established quality standards are met.
• Conducts root cause analysis for defects, non-conformities, or other quality failures.
• May be responsible for ensuring compliance with formal external quality standards, such as ISO 9001.

Required Qualifications

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience OR Equivalent Combination of Relevant Education &/or Experience
• Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred education and experience: Bachelor's Degree
• Discipline/Major: Quality or Engineering degree preferred
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Technical expertise. Ability to identify and seek needed information/Research skills. Problem-solving skills. Leadership skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
• Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Travel Requirements

No or very little travel likely.

Pay Range (USD)

Min $120,858.00 - Max $163,513.00

Pay Transparency Statement

The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

Additional Compensation

Hired applicant may be eligible to participate in the Company's Gain Sharing Program.

Benefits

Hidden (29037)

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.