Quality Engineer III

AeroVironment, Inc.; West Valley City (UT); On-site; USD 81,481 - 124,259; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is looking for a Quality Engineer (QE) III based in Salt Lake City, UT. This position involves ensuring product quality, coordinating with technicians, and maintaining quality standards. The role includes weekly travel for training from Salt Lake City to Simi Valley, CA during the initial phase.

The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience and a Bachelor's degree. Strong familiarity with DMAIC, ISO standards, and mechanical inspection methods is essential. Benefits include competitive salary and comprehensive health coverage.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of related experience in quality engineering.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and ISO standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical inspection methods.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors.
• Support internal audits and drive corrective action.
• Analyze data to evaluate product acceptance criteria.

Skills

DMAIC

FMEA

PPAP

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Dimensional inspection measurement systems

Lean manufacturing

MS Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

Job description

Training & Travel Requirement

This role requires weekly travel from Salt Lake City, UT to Simi Valley, CA for training over the first three months of employment. Training occurs Monday through Friday, three weeks per month. Travel, lodging, meals, and ground transportation will be provided. After the training period, the position is based in Salt Lake City, UT.

Position Overview

The Quality Engineer (QE) III is accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and/or services to customers and ensures that quality controls are met. The QE engages Continuous Improvement (CI) resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, flow disruptions, and implements visual factory KPI metrics for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors as necessary.
• Provide training on BMS procedures to workforce.
• Support internal auditing and 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 interpret workmanship criteria.
• Perform process capability analysis on key characteristics and implement Inspection and Quality Plans.
• Conduct internal audits of quality management systems, purchasing, and manufacturing processes.
• Lead trend improvements on internal and external quality to support strategic objectives.
• Build stable, productive relationships using effective interpersonal skills.
• Communicate concepts and ideas to technical and non-technical staff.
• Resolve issues creatively while applying company policies and procedures.
• Analyze data to evaluate identifiable factors and ensure product acceptance criteria meet customer fitness for use.
• Correspond with customer representatives to understand needs and expectations.
• Review engineering specifications to ensure adequate quality and reliability requirements.
• Reduce defects through data analysis and team problem-solving.
• Review customer contracts and purchase orders to identify requirements and flow down new customer requirements.
• Review NPI customer specifications to ensure compliance and facilitate first article inspection.
• Act as liaison for development & LRIP areas on NPI process and first article inspection.
• Perform PPAPs (production part approval process).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 5‑8 years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage R&R Studies, and lean manufacturing.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001:AS9100, AS9102 standards and audits.
• Ability to communicate with customers and suppliers to resolve process gaps.
• Knowledge of dimensional inspection measurement systems and application of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T).
• Expertise in mechanical inspection methods and skills.
• Ability to collect, compile and analyze data using Six Sigma methods to determine root causes and corrective actions.
• Capability to reduce internal and external DPPM and improve OTD.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel).

Additional Competencies

• Initiative to work efficiently and streamline processes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal instruction.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, time‑management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Team player excelling in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Ownership and responsibility for work products.
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaboration mindset, focusing on team success.

Compensation

Salary range: $81,481 - $124,259.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with company matching, 9/80 work schedule, and paid holiday shutdown.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR compliance. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person (citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). Certain roles may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

EEO Statement

AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Fair and impartial consideration is given regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.