Quality Engineer

ATR International; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ATR International in Palo Alto, CA, seeks a Quality Assurance Engineer to lead quality for mission-critical RF and microwave systems. You will drive root-cause analysis, audits, and cross-functional collaboration to keep production and quality aligned.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering, experience with ISO/AS9100/FDA QAR, and hands-on QA with inspections and process improvements. Hyper-focused on high-reliability manufacturing, this position offers ownership and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with ISO/AS9100/FDA QAR or similar quality systems.
• Proven problem-solver with strong root-cause analysis skills.
• Comfortable leading initiatives and influencing teams.
• Hands-on with inspections, audits, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine QA protocols for manufacturing processes, from raw materials to finished RF and microwave products.
• Develop and improve inspection, testing, and evaluation methods to ensure products meet internal and external standards.
• Analyze production data, generate reports, identify trends, and recommend updates to quality standards or processes.
• Review technical documents, drawings, and assembly instructions to verify conformance to specifications.
• Compare defects against standards, recommend dispositions, and verify successful implementation of rework.
• Conduct internal audits, assign corrective actions, and confirm completion.
• Participate in technical design reviews, material review boards, change control boards, and failure review boards.
• Collaborate with engineers, production teams, and project leads to troubleshoot quality issues and implement process improvements.
• Engage with external customers during audits, inspections, or quality issue resolutions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and problem-solving activities within projects.
• Provide technical guidance or leadership to junior staff when applicable.
• Independently determine approaches to solutions while contributing as an active member of project teams.

Skills

Root-cause analysis

Audits & process

Hands-on QA

Quality systems

Problem-solving

Cross-functional

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Quality Assurance Engineer – Palo Alto, CA

Lead quality for mission-critical RF and microwave systems used in aerospace and defense. This is a hands-on role for a problem-solver who takes ownership—driving root-cause analysis, leading audits, and partnering cross-functionally to keep production and quality aligned.

Bachelor’s in Engineering or related field

Experience with ISO/AS9100/FDA or similar quality systems

Proven problem-solver with strong root-cause analysis skills

Comfortable leading initiatives and influencing teams

Hands-on with inspections, audits, and process improvement

Bonus: electronics, RF, or high-reliability manufacturing

If you naturally step in to solve problems, lead through ambiguity, and hold a high bar for quality—this role gives you real ownership and impact.

Shape the Future of High-Performance RF and Microwave Systems

At the company, we’ve spent over 70 years building precision electronic components and subsystems that quietly power critical applications - from secure communications and medical breakthroughs to space exploration and national defense.

Join our Quality Assurance team in Palo Alto, CA, and play a direct role in ensuring the products we build meet the highest quality standards. At the company, quality isn’t just about compliance. It’s about protecting lives, advancing science, and driving innovation. If you thrive on problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement, your skills will make an immediate impact.

As part of the TransDigm (TDG) global network, you’ll experience the agility of a focused, high-performing site while contributing to technologies that matter on a global scale.

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY (Role Summary)

As a Quality Assurance Engineer, you’ll be at the center of the company’s manufacturing and production processes, ensuring that every product meets rigorous internal and customer standards. You’ll design, implement, and optimize QA protocols, analyze production data, conduct audits and inspections, and collaborate across engineering and operations to drive continuous improvement.

This role offers hands‑on technical ownership, meaningful collaboration with experienced engineers, and the chance to see your work directly impact mission‑critical systems.

• Design, implement, and refine quality assurance protocols for manufacturing processes, from raw materials to finished RF and microwave products
• Develop and improve inspection, testing, and evaluation methods to ensure products meet internal and external standards
• Analyze production data, generate reports, identify trends, and recommend updates to quality standards or processes
• Review technical documents, drawings, and assembly instructions to verify conformance to specifications
• Compare defects against standards, recommend dispositions, and verify successful implementation of rework
• Conduct internal audits, assign corrective actions, and confirm completion
• Participate in technical design reviews, material review boards, change control boards, and failure review boards
• Collaborate with engineers, production teams, and project leads to troubleshoot quality issues and implement process improvements
• Engage with external customers during audits, inspections, or quality issue resolutions
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and problem‑solving activities within projects
• Provide technical guidance or leadership to junior staff when applicable
• Independently determine approaches to solutions while contributing as an active member of project teams

YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE THESE PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing and quality assurance methodologies, tools, and best practices
• Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, FDA QAR, AS9100, or equivalent standards
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and general technical tools; experience with manufacturing or QA software is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly document, present, and escalation quality issues
• Electronics, RF, or high-value hardware manufacturing and testing experience is a plus
• Ability to think creatively, multi‑task, and solve problems at the root cause level
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one is a plus

Physical Demands

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 20 lbs
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while performing inspections, testing, and audits

This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals) due to access to export-controlled technology.