Quality Engineer II

AeroVironment, Inc.; Strathearn (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Quality Engineer II to oversee product and service quality, drive continuous improvements, and maintain CAPA systems.

The role involves collaborating with CI resources to reduce defects, perform root cause analysis, and ensure compliance with customer specs. Responsibilities include supporting audits, product readiness reviews, and NPIs while guiding quality strategies and KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline with 5 years’ experience or Master’s degree with 3+ years’ experience
• 2–5 years of related experience
• Knowledge of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, SPC, Gage R&R, lean manufacturing

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors
• Provide internal auditing support
• Drive corrective action and failure analysis in a timely manner
• Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and coordinate Final Inspection activities
• Guide quality enhancement strategies and interpretation of workmanship criteria
• Conduct process capability analyses and implement Quality Plans
• Lead internal audits across QMS, purchasing, contract review, manufacturing
• Improve quality metrics and support strategic objectives
• Build strong internal/external relationships and communicate clearly
• Address issues creatively within company policies
• Resolve customer requirements and ensure fitness for use

Skills

DMAIC

FMEA

PPAP

SPC

Gage R&R

Lean manufacturing

MS Office

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline

Master’s degree (optional)

Tools

ISO 9001:AS9100 audits

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Quality Engineer II (QE) is accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and/or services to customers and ensures quality controls are met. The QE engages Continuous Improvement (CI) resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, identify, and eliminate flow disruptions and implement visual factory KPI metrics. The QE establishes effective Problem Reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances. The Quality Engineer will have either Customer Quality responsibilities or Product Quality responsibilities, in addition to the general responsibilities outlined.

Position Responsibilities

• Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors as necessary
• Provides internal auditing support
• Responsible for driving corrective action and failure analysis in a timely manner
• Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and coordinate Final Inspection activities
• Provide guidance and assistance in quality enhancement strategies and the interpretation of workmanship criteria
• Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics, implementing Inspection and Quality Plans
• Conduct internal audit activities including but not limited to quality management systems, purchasing, contract review process, and manufacturing
• Drive trend improvements on the internal & external quality in support of strategic business objectives
• Build stable, productive internal/external working relationships using effective interpersonal skills. Effectively articulate concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staff
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures
• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factor
• Ensure product acceptance criteria reflects the customer's definition of fitness for use
• Correspond, as required, with customer representatives to ensure a thorough understanding of their needs and expectations
• Participate in the review of engineering specifications to ensure the inclusion of adequate quality and reliability requirements
• Work to reduce defects in various processes through data analysis and team problem-solving
• Review customer contracts and purchase orders to identify requirements and flow down new customer requirements to all functions
• Review New Product Integration (NPI) customer specifications to flow down new requirements to all functions and ensure in establishing compliance to customer requirements
• Perform PPAP’s (production part approval process)
• Act as liaison for the development & LRIP areas on matters related to NPI process & first article inspection
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 5 years’ experience or Master’s degree & at least 3 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Minimum of 2 - 5 years of related experience
• Knowledge of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage R&R Studies and lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001:AS9100, AS9102 standards and audits
• Knowledge of dimensional inspection measurement systems and their application for the inspection of complex products – knowledge of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T).
• Knowledge in mechanical inspection methods and skills.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Demonstrates proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Demonstrates initiative to work efficiently and to streamline processes. Normally receives some instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.
• Has a full understanding of one’s specialization and uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways
• Ability to communicate with customer and suppliers to resolve processes gaps and the ability to apply specified requirements in a cost-effective approach.
• Ability to collect, compile and analyze data (using the appropriate six sigma methods and techniques); to determine both the actual root causes of identified problems and required corrective (preventive) actions to prevent recurrence.
• Able to affect internal and external DPPM (scrap and rework) reduction and OTD improvements both internally and at our suppliers.
• Strong written/verbal communication, analytical, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well as both an individual contributor and as a member of a team
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment
• Regularly required to stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary

The salary range for this role is: $82,000 - $125,000

ITAR Requirement

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

About AV

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR/Citizenship Requirements

ITAR U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.

Career at AeroVironment