Quality Assurance Engineer

Trust Automation; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Trust Automation is seeking a Quality Engineer to uphold AS9100/ISO9001 standards, manage non-conformances, and drive CAPA across products, services, and processes.

You will develop QMS documentation, perform internal and external audits, and collaborate with suppliers and cross‑functional teams. Office-based with occasional travel to manufacturing and suppliers in California.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Proficiency with root cause analysis, FMEA, SPC, and CAPA.
• Experience in MRB processes and supplier quality management.
• Ability to review product documentation and ensure compliance with customer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage non-conformities in products, services, and processes.
• Lead MRB activities and organize MRB meetings.
• Develop, implement, and monitor corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions and analyze quality performance data.
• Prepare quality performance reports for management.
• Conduct internal audits and support external audits.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to improve quality.

Skills

Quality management

Root cause analysis

FMEA

SPC

CAPA

Lean/Six Sigma

Audits

MRB

FAI

Documentation

Customer liaison

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field

Job description

Trust Automation has over 30 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of quality within Trust processes. The position's primary responsibilities will include managing non-conformities in products, services, and processes, leading Material Review Board (MRB) activities, and conducting in-depth root cause analysis. The position is responsible for developing and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address quality issues, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and ISO9001 standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with standards for all products, services, and processes.
• Develop and maintain QMS documentation according to requirements.
• Conduct internal audits to assess compliance with industry standards and company procedures.
• Lead efforts to prepare for and support external audits.

Non-Conformance Management:

• Identify non-conformities in products, services, and processes.
• Document non-conformances and ensure timely reporting.
• Collaborate to investigate the root causes of non-conformities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Track non-conformance data to identify systemic issues.
• Organize and lead MRB meetings to review non-conforming materials.
• Collaborate to ensure proper handling and resolution of non-conforming materials.
• Maintain MRB records and ensure all decisions are documented.
• Monitor and follow up on MRB actions.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) investigations for critical non-conformances and quality issues.
• Utilize quality tools to identify root causes.
• Document RCA findings and implement effective corrective actions.
• Verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Analyze quality performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement projects.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Supplier Quality Management:

• Evaluate and qualify suppliers based on their ability to meet quality standards.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance.
• Address supplier-related non-conformities and collaborate on continuous improvement.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Create and maintain quality documentation, including control plans and non-conformance reports.
• Prepare regular quality performance reports for management.
• Ensure that all quality records are accurate and readily accessible.
• Ability to comprehend drawing specifications, packing slips, invoices, and other customer supplied data.
• Responsible for reviewing product documentation, ensuring that all inspections and test meet customer and regulatory requirements, and issuing the Certification of Conformance (CoC).

Customer Interaction:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customer quality concerns and inquiries.
• Facilitate the investigation and resolution of customer complaints.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions in response to customer-reported issues.

Training and Mentoring:

• Develop and deliver training programs on quality standards and best practices.
• Mentor junior quality professionals and promote awareness of quality principles.
• Identify and assess risks related to product quality, supplier performance, and process capabilities.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies and controls to minimize the impact of potential quality issues.
• Monitor and review risk management activities, ensuring that risks are effectively managed.

New Product Introduction (NPI):

• Collaborate with engineering and production teams during the development and introduction of new products.
• Ensure that quality requirements are integrated into product design and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and participate in design reviews.

Position Requirements

Education:

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

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in quality engineering, preferably within the semiconductor and/or aerospace industries.
• Experience with MRB processes and managing non-conformances.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in supplier quality management and conducting audits.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Proficiency in quality tools and methodologies, including root cause analysis, FMEA, SPC, and CAPA.
• Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to use statistical tools for quality improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience interfacing with customers.
• Proficiency in quality management software and tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Primarily office-based with regular visits to manufacturing and production areas.
• Occasional travel may be required to meet with suppliers or customers.
• This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• May participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity.

Preferred Skills

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or other relevant certifications are highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator or assemble/manufacture intricate items.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended period of time
• Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Pay Scale / Salary Information :

Pay scale for this role is $90,940 - $100,000 annual salary