Quality Engineer I

DRT Aerospace, LLC; Simpsonville (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

DRT Aerospace, LLC is seeking a Quality Engineer I to join our growing aerospace manufacturing team. This role offers an early-career engineer the chance to develop expertise in aerospace quality systems, process validation, and continuous improvement within a hands-on environment.

You will work with experienced engineers and suppliers to drive quality plans, lead FAIR/PPAP activities, and ensure conformance to AS9100 and customer requirements. This is a path for growth in a regulated industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing, quality, or engineering experience.
• Experience supporting AS9102 FAIR, PPAP, and process validation.
• Experience with First Piece, In-Process, and Final Inspection.
• Familiarity with GD&T and inspection requirements.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support qualification and validation of aerospace processes.
• Lead AS9102 FAIR, PPAP submissions, and validation activities.
• Develop quality plans aligning customer, engineering, and manufacturing requirements.
• Create and maintain inspection documentation.
• Review drawings, GD&T, and customer quality requirements.
• Participate in MRB, RCCA investigations, and corrective actions.
• Analyse quality metrics to identify improvements.

Skills

AS9102 knowledge

GD&T understanding

Strong analytical skills

Strong organizational skills

Problem-solving

Interpret engineering drawings

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PC-DMIS

Mitutoyo systems

GOM software

Python

VBA

Excel

MS Office

Job description

DRT is seeking a Quality Engineer I to join our growing aerospace manufacturing team. This is an outstanding opportunity for an early-career engineer or quality professional who wants to develop expertise in aerospace manufacturing, quality systems, process validation, and continuous improvement.

Relocation:

No relocation package or relocation assistance is offered for this position. Candidates must be able to work from the local area and commute to the designated work location as required.

You’ll work alongside experienced Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Operations leaders, and suppliers while gaining hands‑on exposure to advanced aerospace manufacturing processes, AS9100 quality systems, First Article Inspection (FAIR), PPAP, supplier quality, and process improvement initiatives.

Why Join DRT?

• Work on components that support critical aerospace applications
• Gain hands‑on experience in manufacturing quality, supplier quality, and process validation
• Learn from experienced aerospace professionals and industry experts
• Build skills in FAIR, PPAP, AS9100, root cause analysis, SPC, and continuous improvement
• Enjoy opportunities for long‑term career growth and advancement
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package

What You’ll Do

Drive Manufacturing Quality

• Support qualification and validation of aerospace manufacturing processes.
• Lead and coordinate AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), PPAP submissions, and process validation activities.
• Develop and improve quality plans that align customer, engineering, and manufacturing requirements.
• Create and maintain in‑process and final inspection documentation.
• Conduct Gage R&R, MSA, and correlation studies to ensure measurement accuracy.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, GD&T requirements, and customer quality requirements.

Solve Real Production Challenges

• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and help resolve nonconforming material issues.
• Support Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Analyze quality and process performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Inspection teams to resolve quality concerns and improve process capability.

Support Aerospace Quality Systems

• Help maintain compliance with AS9100 and customer‑specific requirements.
• Participate in internal and external audits.
• Maintain quality documentation, traceability records, inspection reports, and KPI metrics.

Improve Processes

• Support Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Utilize SPC and data analysis tools to improve process performance.
• Drive improvements that reduce scrap, rework, and variation while increasing efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Quality, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of manufacturing, quality, engineering, or related technical experience.
• Experience supporting AS9102 FAIR, PPAP, and process validation activities.
• Experience with First Piece, In-Process, and Final Inspection activities.
• Experience participating in RCCA investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Strong understanding of GD&T.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace or other regulated manufacturing experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• DQR and/or LCS (CLCSR) certification.
• Internal Quality Management System auditing experience.
• Experience with VBA or Python.
• Familiarity with Hexagon PC-DMIS, Mitutoyo systems, and GOM software.
• Exposure to supplier quality and supplier audits.
• CQE, Lean Manufacturing, or additional quality certifications.
• Experience supporting OEM, Tier 1 aerospace suppliers, or FAA-regulated environments.