Quality Engineer

NIOA; Christiana (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work style

Bi-weekly pay

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Barrett, a global leader in precision firearms design and manufacturing, seeks a driven Quality Engineer to ensure machined components and firearm products meet stringent standards. You will develop, implement, and maintain quality systems, partner with engineering, manufacturing, and operations, and drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.

This role requires GD&T expertise, 8D/5-Why, ISO 9001 awareness, and hands-on metrology with CMMs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of quality engineering experience in precision manufacturing.
• Strong GD&T and blueprint interpretation expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into non-conformances and customer complaints with 8D / 5-Why approaches.
• Develop and maintain quality inspection plans, PFMEAs, and control plans.
• Audit in-process and final inspections for ISO 9001 and firearms industry standards.
• Analyze quality metrics and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing to improve processes and manufacturability.
• Evaluate suppliers, conduct supplier audits, and manage corrective actions.

Skills

Quality engineering

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Metrology

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

CMM programming

Gage R&R tools

Job description

About this position

What makes Barrett an exceptional workplace?

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to providing our employees with a supportive and family-like work culture, accompanied by a variety of attractive benefits including:

• A flexible and adaptable work style.
• Meaningful recognition and bi-weekly pay cycles.
• Ongoing growth through learning, mentoring, training and career progression opportunities.

About Us

Barrett is a global leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing, proudly headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. For over 40 years, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation, starting with Ronnie Barrett’s revolutionary Model 82, which earned praise from the U.S. Army and set the standard for modern firearms.

Our products serve civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the U.S. military, and over 80 allied nations. As part of the NIOA Group, we continue to push the boundaries of precision, performance, and innovation.

At Barrett, we don’t just build firearms—we craft solutions that stand the test of time and exceed expectations. \"There’s always a better way\" is our mantra, guiding us to continuously improve and evolve our designs to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

By applying for this role, you accept that the following checks will occur for the successful candidate:

• Drug & Alcohol Testing
• Permanent working rights and availability to work in the United States

Description

We’re seeking a driven Quality Engineer to ensure all machined components and firearm products meet the highest standards of precision, performance, and compliance. In this role, you’ll develop, implement, and maintain quality systems aligned with internal specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards while partnering cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and operations to identify risks, drive root cause solutions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality and overall operational effectiveness.

About the Role

• Lead investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints, and production issues, driving corrective and preventive actions (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone), supporting containment activities, and verifying effectiveness to protect customers and minimize disruption to production.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality inspection processes for machined components, assemblies, and finished firearms, including creating and maintaining inspection plans, control plans, PFMEAs, work instructions, and conducting first article inspections (FAI) using GD&T principles and AS9102-like documentation when applicable.
• Perform routine audits of in-process and final inspections to ensure compliance with quality standards, ISO 9001, applicable firearms industry standards (e.g., ATF regulations), and internal quality procedures, while supporting internal and external audits.
• Monitor production processes and analyze quality performance metrics (yield, scrap, rework, Cp/Cpk, MSA, Gage R&R, etc.), utilizing precision measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, CMM, vision systems, etc.) and analyzing statistical data and test results to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve machining processes, fixture design, and overall product manufacturability, leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Evaluate and qualify suppliers for machined components and raw materials, conduct supplier audits, manage supplier corrective actions, develop incoming inspection standards and sampling plans, maintain accurate quality records, material certifications, and traceability documentation, travel (inclusive of international travel) as required, and perform all other duties as directed.

About You

You’re a detail-driven Quality Engineer who thrives in a precision manufacturing environment and takes pride in getting to the root cause of complex issues. You’re confident leading investigations, driving corrective and preventive actions, and using data to improve processes and product performance. Comfortable working with machined components, GD&T, inspection tools, and quality systems like ISO 9001, you collaborate easily with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to raise the bar on quality every day. Most importantly, you’re proactive, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; equivalent hands‑on experience will be considered.
• 3+ years of quality engineering experience in a precision machining or manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in machining processes, GD&T, and complex blueprint interpretation.
• Hands‑on experience with metrology equipment and CMM programming/operation.
• Proven proficiency in quality methodologies, including 8D, root cause analysis, FMEA, and control plans.