Quality Engineer III

Frontgrade Technologies; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401K match with company contribution

9X80 compressed work schedule

Tuition reimbursement

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Paid family leave

Job summary

Frontgrade Technologies is seeking a Quality Engineer III in California to lead risk analysis, control plans, inspection, and supplier quality programs. You will apply metrology methods and ensure compliance with AS9100D and IPC standards, while mentoring junior engineers and leading RCCA efforts.

The role emphasizes continuous improvement, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to meet customer and regulatory requirements in high-stakes environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a specialized functional discipline; 9 years may be substituted for a degree; 3 years with a Masters.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and/or maintain a Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Learn manufacturing processes and participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma.
• Support nonconforming material process and MRB activities; track dispositions and containment actions.
• Collect and analyze quality data; prepare charts/reports for leadership and participate in reviews.
• Develop and maintain inspection plans and quality records per AS9100D and customer requirements.
• Support supplier quality documentation and metrics.
• Learn and apply IPC workmanship standards through training and hands-on experience.
• Support compliance with ESD, FOD, and counterfeit parts prevention.
• Assist in compiling compliance documentation (EIDPs, FAI per AS9102, source inspection records).
• Lead corrective actions and contribute to procedure changes.
• Support internal audits and audits by customers/DCMA/3rd parties.
• Lead RCCA investigations using 5 Whys and fishbone diagrams under senior guidance.
• Mentor junior quality engineers and inspectors.

Skills

Quality engineering

Risk analysis

Statistical methods

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Experience-based alternative (9 years w/o degree)

Masters degree qualifies for 3-year rule

Tools

IPC-A-610

IPC-A-620

J-STD-001

Job description

Job Description

The Quality Engineer III is responsible for risk analysis, control plans, inspection, supplier quality, and metrology methodology activities. They also ensure customer requirements are defined and all project deliverables meet customer, internal and regulatory requirements including all applicable standards.

The Quality Engineer III is responsible for risk analysis, control plans, inspection, supplier quality, and metrology methodology activities. They also ensure customer requirements are defined and all project deliverables meet customer, internal and regulatory requirements including all applicable standards.

Responsibilities

• Learn manufacturing processes and actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost performance using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
• Support the nonconforming material process by documenting nonconformances, participating in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, tracking dispositions to closure, and contributing to containment actions, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) metrics
• Collect, compile, and analyze quality data (e.g., yield, scrap, rework, and defect trends); prepare charts and reports for quality leadership; and participate in internal and customer reviews, presentations, and discussions to support quality improvement initiatives
• Assist in the development and maintenance of inspection plans, quality records, and workmanship documentation in accordance with AS9100D and customer requirements
• Support supplier quality activities by documenting supplier nonconformances and compiling supplier performance metrics
• Learn and apply electronic assembly workmanship standards, including IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, and J-STD-001, through formal training and hands-on manufacturing experience
• Support compliance with ESD (ANSI/ESD S20.20), Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention, and counterfeit parts prevention activities
• Assist in compiling, auditing, and maintaining product compliance documentation, including End Item Data Packages (EIDPs), First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation per AS9102, source inspection records, and other quality documentation
• Lead corrective actions, including changes to procedures to ensure completeness and currency
• Support internal audits and assist with customer, DCMA, and third-party AS9100D audits
• Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations using structured problem-solving tools, including 5 Whys and fishbone diagrams, under the guidance of senior engineers
• Mentor junior quality engineers and inspectors; provide technical guidance on standards interpretation and problem-solving methods

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field of study
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a specialized functional discipline
• OR (9) years of experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelors Degree
• OR (3) years of experience may be considered w/ a Masters Degree
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies is a plus
• Ability to obtain and/or maintain a Security Clearance

About Frontgrade

ABOUT US

At Frontgrade, we build mission-critical electronics that perform without compromise in the world's most demanding environments, from deep space to national defense. With decades of proven heritage, we deliver high-reliability components, subsystems, and integrated solutions trusted when failure is not an option. But our strength is not just in what we build. It is in the people who make it possible. From engineers and product managers to sales teams, marketers, and skilled manufacturing professionals, every role plays a direct part in enabling missions that protect, explore, and connect our world. We move with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and take pride in delivering solutions our customers rely on in the highest-stakes environments. If you want your work, whatever your specialty, to contribute to something bigger, you will find your place at Frontgrade.

Why Work for Us

We believe mission success starts with taking care of our people. That's why we offer competitive health, wealth, and wellbeing benefits from day one. You'll also find real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance, whether you're building technical expertise, leading teams, or expanding into new areas. Here, your growth is part of the mission.

Additional Information

This position may require access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition of any job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you may need to obtain a U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law.

Other Benefits Include

• Immediate Medical (FSA and HSA), Dental, and Vision
• 401K Match with 100% immediate vesting
• 9X80 compressed work schedule for qualifying roles
• Career Opportunity and Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement/Student Loan Repayment
• Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (a combination of both designated and floating holidays)
• 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave