Quality Engineer IV

General Atomics; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) seeks a Quality Assurance professional to lead NADCAP and AS9100 audits, and drive supplier quality improvements across multiple programs.

You will interpret engineering drawings and standards, and mentor cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and on-time performance. The role requires experience with supplier audits, flow-down requirements (DPAS, ITAR), and DoD/aircraft quality expectations.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or related discipline and six or more years of related experience with a bachelor's degree or four or more years with a master's degree.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of NADCAP accreditation requirements and special process controls.
• Proven expertise in AS9100 audit compliance and readiness, including recertification experience.
• Experience planning and conducting supplier audits, writing findings, and driving corrective action to closure.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and military specs.

Responsibilities

• Perform NADCAP audits for special processes across the supply base.
• Lead supplier audit readiness and AS9100/IA9100 compliance activities, on-site or remote.
• Plan, conduct, document supplier quality audits and drive root cause corrective actions.
• Qualify and approve new suppliers; maintain the Approved Supplier List and re-evaluate supplier scope.
• Interpret drawings, specifications, and standards to verify supplier compliance.
• Monitor supplier performance using quality metrics and drive improvement.
• Support the internal AS9100 quality management system and audits.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Program Quality to resolve issues.
• Ensure proper flow-down of DPAS, ITAR, counterfeit parts prevention, and CM requirements.
• Recommend design/manufacturing changes to improve quality and reduce cost.
• Develop methods for inspecting and testing production equipment.
• Audit internal and supplier quality systems for deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Lead solutions to complex quality problems and present to stakeholders.
• Prepare quality reports, analyses, and technical documents.
• Deliver technical presentations and provide guidance to staff.
• Observe laws and safety practices while performing duties.

Skills

NADCAP audits

AS9100/aIA9100 audit readiness

Supplier audits

Reading/interpretation of drawings and

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

56904BR

Job Summary:

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

Develops, modifies, documents, and directs the implementation and evaluation of quality assurance programs and systems on one or more mid-size to large projects. Provides expertise and guidance in interpreting quality standards and government regulations. Collaborates with engineering and manufacturing to ensure quality standards are in place. Works on moderately complex and diverse problems where analysis of situations or data requires in-depth evaluation of various factors.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform technical NADCAP audits for special processes across the supply base, including welding, additive manufacturing, and composites, as applicable.

• Lead supplier audit readiness and compliance activities for AS9100/A IA9100, including on-site and remote audits, process reviews, and surveillance.

• Plan, conduct, and document supplier quality audits (e.g., AS9100/IA9100, product, process audits); issue findings and drive root cause and corrective action to verified closure thru supplier corrective action requests (SCARS).

• Qualify and approve new suppliers and special process sources; maintain the Approved Supplier List (ASL) and manage supplier scope, risk classification, and periodic re-evaluation.

• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, industry standards (AMS, ASTM, MIL-SPEC), and customer flow-down requirements; verify supplier compliance to these requirements.

• Monitor supplier performance using quality metrics (e.g., PPM, on-time delivery, escape rate) and lead performance improvement initiatives with underperforming suppliers.

• Support the internal AS9100 quality management system, including audit readiness, document control alignment, and coordination with certification bodies during recertification and surveillance audits.

• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Program Quality to resolve supplier quality issues and mitigate risk to program schedule and cost.

• Verify appropriate flow-down of quality, DPAS, ITAR, counterfeit parts prevention, and configuration management requirements to suppliers, as applicable.

• Recommend design and manufacturing process changes to improve product quality, enhance producibility, and reduce cost.

• Develop and improve methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment.

• Participate in functional testing and/or inspection of equipment and systems, as required, to validate supplier and internal quality performance.

• Audit internal and supplier quality systems to identify deficiencies, ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations, and verify implementation of corrective actions.

• Lead and implement solutions to complex quality problems occurring internally and at vendor facilities, using structured root cause and corrective action methodologies.

• Prepare quality-related reports, statistical analyses, specifications, and other technical documents in support of company and program objectives.

• Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

• Provide project direction and technical guidance to other staff members to ensure quality objectives, costs, and schedules are achieved.

• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.

• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or related discipline and six or more years of related experience with a bachelor's degree or four or more years with a master's degree. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of NADCAP accreditation requirements and special process controls (additive manufacturing, welding, or similar).

• Proven expertise in AS9100 audit compliance and readiness, including experience preparing for or supporting recertification and surveillance audits.

• Experience planning and conducting supplier audits, writing findings, and driving corrective action to verified closure.

• Working knowledge of AS9102 first article inspection, root cause tools (8D, 5-Why, fishbone), and statistical methods.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and industry and military specifications.

• U.S. person status (per ITAR) required.

• Must have a detailed understanding of inspection methods and strong knowledge of quality concepts, techniques, and methods in the relevant field of specialization.

• Must have the analytical ability required to develop creative solutions to complex quality issues and the skills required to present those solutions to internal and external contacts.

• Must be detail-oriented to accurately prepare statistical reports and technical documents in support of company objectives.

• Must have strong leadership skills to direct staff members and ensure project costs and schedules are maintained while representing the organization on technical quality assurance issues.

• Able to deliver effective technical presentations and work extended hours as required.

• ERP (SAP) knowledge.

• Domestic and International Travel as required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Lead Auditor for AS9100 or ISO 9001, or equivalent audit certification.

• ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, or CMQ/OE).

• Direct experience with NADCAP audits from the supplier or prime perspective, including familiarity with the eAuditNet system and applicable Audit Criteria (AC) checklists.

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Job Category:

Quality

Experience Level:

Mid-Level (3-7 years)

Workstyle:

Onsite

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time Salary

Pay Range Low:

90,500

Pay Range High:

155,375

Travel Percentage Required:

25% - 50%

Relocation Assistance Provided?:

No

US Citizenship Required?:

Yes

Clearance Required?:

Desired

Clearance Level:

Secret

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC’s "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.