Quality Engineer

Apera; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera, a leading aerospace manufacturing partner, seeks a hands-on Quality Engineer to be the primary quality focal for assigned product lines. This role is highly visible on the floor and requires close collaboration with engineering, operations, and customers.

You will drive root cause investigations, support MRB, develop inspection plans, and lead efforts to improve product quality and manufacturing performance across functions.

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.

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.
• Analyze trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve product quality and manufacturing performance.

Skills

Quality engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Root cause analysis

Structured problem-solving

Quality on the floor

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

8D

5 Whys

FMEA

Fishbone

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