Job Summary
The Quality Engineer within the Quality Management Systems & Compliance Team plays a key role in ensuring product, process, and system compliance at Safran Helicopter Engines USA. This position is responsible for performing internal and supplier audits, supporting the Quality Management System (QMS), and maintaining critical technical documentation and records. This position serves as the focal for quality management system governance related to EN/AS 9100, regulatory compliance related to FAA Part 21 & 145 compliance, internal and external audit management, document and records control, and Quality Management System effectiveness. Through coaching, support, and guidance, this role helps ensure that products and services delivered by the Grand Prairie site meet Safran, customer, industry, and regulatory standards. The auditor also contributes to transverse and corporate quality initiatives and works closely with Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations, and other functions to drive continuous improvement and robust compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Internal Auditing & QMS Compliance
- Plan, perform, and document internal audits of workstations, products, processes, and systems to ensure compliance with Safran, industry, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure organizational understanding and proper application of the Quality Management System across the site.
- Verify that quality instructions, procedures, and provisions are correctly applied in assigned areas.
- Review technical problems and departmental procedures, recommending solutions and improvements where necessary.
- Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of corrective actions, including follow-up on audit findings and non-conformities.
- Promote and ensure comprehension and application of Safran quality methodologies, including:
- QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control)
- Root cause analysis
- Risk analysis and FMEA
- Safety Management System (SMS) and risk policies
- Supplier & Maintenance Center Auditing
- Work with Supply Chain Management to maintain and monitor the Approved Supplier List (ASL).
- Plan and conduct supplier and maintenance center audits to assess and ensure alignment with Safran QMS and applicable regulatory requirements (including FAA Part 21 & 145, where applicable).
- Define, review, and maintain written processes and instructions for site, supplier, product, and process audits.
- Understand and apply Safran corporate procedures for supplier qualification and development at the local site level.
- Support and host external auditors (customers, regulatory bodies, certification entities), facilitating audits and ensuring appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
- Quality Performance Monitoring
- Investigate and monitor Supplier Score Cards and other quality indicators to evaluate performance of assigned areas.
- Analyze audit results and quality metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
Education & Experience
- Minimum of 8 years of related experience in aerospace or a closely adjacent industry (e.g., medical devices, automotive, other highly regulated sectors).
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- U.S. Person (due to regulatory requirements).
- U.S. Military Veteran preferred.
Knowledge & Certifications
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with FAA Part 21 & 145 requirements.
- Auditor certifications (e.g., AS9100 or adjacent standards) strongly preferred.
- Solid understanding of Quality Management Systems and relevant standards in aerospace or similar regulated environments.
- Experience performing internal and/or supplier audits.
- Green Belt certification preferred.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
- Proficiency with risk analysis tools and methodologies (FMEA, risk assessments, etc.).
- Ability to interpret and apply quality and regulatory requirements across multiple functions (engineering, supply chain, operations).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and coach stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail in documentation control, recordkeeping, and audit follow-up.
- Comfortable working in a transverse role, collaborating across functions and with global/corporate stakeholders.
Additional Desired Competencies
- Bi-lingual / foreign language skills are a plus, especially French, Spanish, or Portuguese.