Quality Engineer

Apera; California (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a hands-on Quality Engineer to support manufacturing operations and serve as the primary quality focal point for assigned product lines. This highly visible, production-focused role requires strong collaboration across engineering, operations, and customers.

You will lead root cause investigations, drive corrective actions, and partner with Manufacturing Engineering on nonconforming material and customer returns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of quality engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Aerospace industry experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO 9001.
• Experience with inspection methods (mechanical and/or electrical).
• Proficiency in structured problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA).
• Strong communication skills and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day manufacturing quality and act as the go-to quality representative on the floor.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions (8D, 5 Whys, FMEA, etc.).
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering on nonconforming material and customer returns.
• Interface directly with customers to address and resolve quality concerns.
• Participate in MRB and drive timely disposition of nonconforming product.
• Develop inspection plans (receiving, in-process, final, test) and ensure compliance to customer requirements.
• Support audits (AS9100) and maintain compliance with quality systems.
• Monitor supplier quality and issue corrective actions as needed.

Skills

Quality engineering

Manufacturing support

Customer interaction

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

We’re looking for a hands-on Quality Engineer to support manufacturing operations and serve as the primary quality focal point for assigned product lines. This is a highly visible, production-focused role requiring strong collaboration across engineering, operations, and customers.

What We’re Looking For - NEED

• Well-rounded Quality Engineering experience directly supporting manufacturing (aerospace strongly preferred)
• Experience working directly with customers to resolve quality issues
• Team-oriented mindset with strong ownership and accountability

What You’ll Do

• Support day-to-day manufacturing quality and act as the go-to quality representative on the floor
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions (8D, 5 Whys, FMEA, etc.)
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering on nonconforming material and customer returns
• Interface directly with customers to address and resolve quality concerns
• Participate in MRB and drive timely disposition of nonconforming product
• Develop inspection plans (receiving, in-process, final, test) and ensure compliance to customer requirements
• Support audits (AS9100) and maintain compliance with quality systems
• Monitor supplier quality and issue corrective actions as needed
• Analyze trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve product quality and manufacturing performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Aerospace industry experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO 9001
• Experience with inspection methods (mechanical and/or electrical)
• Proficiency in structured problem‑solving tools (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA)
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally

Nice to Have

• Experience in complex or high-mix manufacturing environments