Quality Lead Engineer

Ontic Engineering & Manufacturing Inc; California (MO); On-site; USD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical insurance

401K plan with up to 4% match

Annual bonus program

Flexible working arrangements

Paid volunteering opportunities

Access to mental health champions

Commitment to development

Employee referral program

Job summary

Ontic Engineering & Manufacturing Inc is seeking a Lead Quality Engineer for their Chatsworth, CA site. This role entails leading quality engineering activities to ensure product conformity and continuous improvement across aerospace programs.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of experience in quality engineering, strong knowledge of AS9100, and a background in root cause analysis. The position offers a competitive pay range of $140,000 and various benefits including medical insurance and a 401K plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in quality engineering in aerospace or regulated manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100 / AS9102 and nonconformance management.
• Experience in root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality engineering activities for product conformity and regulatory compliance.
• Mentor Quality Engineers and drive accountability for quality objectives.
• Oversee MRB activities to ensure compliant disposition of nonconforming material.
• Lead RMA investigations ensuring timely evaluation and corrective actions.
• Ensure process validations are planned and documented per requirements.
• Drive continual improvement initiatives and analyze quality data metrics.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and maintain quality documentation accuracy.

Skills

Quality engineering

AS9100 knowledge

Root cause analysis

Process validation

CAPA methodologies

Job description

We are a fast-paced business with ambitious growth plans; so if you are dedicated, enthusiastic and always seeking ways to improve, you'll enjoy a career with us! Ontic is a leading global aerospace OEM trusted by the world’s aviation leaders. Ontic’s Chatsworth, CA, site specializes in precision engineering, MRO, and new solutions for parts at risk of obsolescence. With over 1,400 employees across four time zones and seven sites, we have more than doubled in size since 2019 and are continuing to grow at pace. Our team is looking for a Lead Quality Engineer at Chatsworth, CA office, to join them.

Role Overview

The Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality engineering activities that ensure product conformity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across aerospace programs. This role provides technical leadership, prioritization, and oversight of quality engineering functions including MRB, RMA, FAIRs, process validation, corrective actions, and quality system adherence. The Lead serves as a key interface between Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Customers to drive operational excellence and compliance with AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Oversight – Lead, mentor, and support Quality Engineers in daily execution of quality objectives and workload prioritization. Act as a technical escalation point for complex quality, compliance, and customer issues. Drive accountability for timely closure of quality activities and deliverables. Support staffing, training, and development of quality engineering personnel.
• Material Review Board (MRB) & Nonconformance Management – Oversee MRB activities to ensure timely, compliant disposition of nonconforming material. Ensure MRB actions are reviewed, dispositioned, and documented within defined timelines. Verify root cause analysis and corrective actions are technically sound and effective.
• RMA & Customer Quality Support – Lead RMA investigations and responses, ensuring timely evaluation, containment, and corrective action. Interface directly with customers as required to resolve quality concerns and support satisfaction. Ensure lessons learned are captured and communicated to prevent recurrence.
• Process Validation & First Article Inspection (FAI) – Ensure process validations are planned, executed, and documented in accordance with internal, customer, and regulatory requirements. Oversee completion and approval of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) in accordance with AS9102. Support new product introduction and configuration changes from a quality perspective.
• Continual Improvement & Corrective Action – Drive continual improvement initiatives across assigned product lines or processes. Lead corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities using structured problem‑solving methodologies. Analyze quality data and metrics to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Quality Systems & Compliance – Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer‑specific requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings. Maintain accuracy and integrity of quality documentation, records, and ticketing systems.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure quality objectives are met. Support supplier quality activities as required, including issue resolution and corrective actions. Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and compliance throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• A minimum 7+ years of experience in quality engineering in an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100 / AS9102, MRB and nonconformance management.
• Root cause analysis and CAPA methodologist experience.
• Process validation and quality systems knowledge.
• ASQ‑American Society for Quality certification is a plus.

Compensation

Pay Range: $140,000.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Competitive PTO, holiday pay, and sick leave
• Company 401K plan with up to 4% matched contribution
• Annual bonus program (varies by level and discretionary based on company and individual performance)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Paid volunteering opportunities
• Access to mental health champions across our sites
• Commitment to development
• Employee referral program

Equal Opportunity

Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Export Control

This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22. C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.