QA Engineer

Trexon; California (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Trexon is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to lead quality assurance in aerospace manufacturing operations in California. The successful candidate will be responsible for compliance with quality standards and act as a key resource in the Quality organization.

They will drive cross-functional investigations and support risk-based decision-making while mentoring junior quality staff. A minimum of 5 years in aerospace quality engineering and relevant certifications are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of aerospace quality engineering experience.
• Proven experience in supporting aerospace customer audits.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and related standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead compliance with aerospace quality standards.
• Serve as acting Quality Manager when required.
• Drive root cause investigations and corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Knowledge of AS9100

Problem-solving skills

Bilingual communication (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Digital quality management systems

Job description

A Senior quality engineer plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and operational excellence within aerospace manufacturing operations. The role is responsible for ensuring compliance with aerospace regulatory and customer requirements, leading complex root cause investigations, supporting risk-based decision-making, and partnering cross-functionally to safeguard product integrity and customer confidence. This position also serves as a key leadership resource within the Quality organization and provides coverage for the Quality Manager as required. Strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to influence teams at all levels are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, and customer-specific aerospace quality requirements.
• Provide leadership in the interpretation and application of quality system requirements across manufacturing, inspection, supplier quality, and electronic assembly processes.
• Serve as acting Quality Manager when required, supporting daily quality operations, customer communications, audit activities, and organizational leadership initiatives.
• Drive cross-functional root cause investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone analysis, ensuring effective and sustainable corrective actions.
• Serve as a technical expert in interpreting complex engineering drawings and GD&T requirements in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Lead and approve First Article Inspections (FAI) in compliance with AS9102 requirements, including customer submissions through portals such as Net-Inspect.
• Develop and maintain inspection plans, procedures, measurement strategies, and calibration compliance programs to support product conformity.
• Analyze quality metrics, SPC data, and KPI trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, reduce scrap, and lower Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
• Operate, support, and troubleshoot automated test equipment, including DIT-MCO and Cirris testing systems.
• Program and interpret electrical schematics and test parameters for continuity, hipot, and functional testing applications.
• Lead and support internal, customer, and third-party audits while promoting audit readiness throughout the organization.
• Mentor and develop junior quality personnel while providing leadership and influence across cross-functional manufacturing and engineering teams.
• Exercise strong decision-making authority to protect product integrity, including the ability to stop production or shipment when quality standards are at risk.
• Foster a proactive, risk-based quality culture aligned with aerospace industry expectations and customer requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 and/or J-STD-001 certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of aerospace quality engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience supporting aerospace customer audits, regulatory audits, and customer-facing quality initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and digital quality management systems.
• Experience of working directly with aerospace customers and suppliers.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, IPC/WHMA-A-620, and J-STD-001 standards.
• Demonstrated leadership in aerospace manufacturing quality systems and operations.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and data‑driven decision‑making capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and influence cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Customer‑focused mindset with a commitment to operational excellence and product integrity.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professional judgment.
• Proactive approach to risk management, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Bilingual communication skills preferred (English/Spanish highly desirable).
• Ability to read, interpret, and program electrical schematics and test configurations.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand and sit for extended periods, and occasionally and safely lift to 25 lbs.
• Visual acuity is necessary to identify defects, read labels, and interpret specifications or measurement values accurately.
• Must show proficiency in the operation of all necessary equipment within the department.
• Must be able to work in a noisy work environment, occasionally loud due to cleaning tools and other surrounding machinery.

As set forth in Trexon’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.