Rail Quality Engineer: FAI & CAPA Leader

System One; Carson (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

System One in Santa Fe Springs, CA is seeking a Quality Engineer to ensure rail vehicle equipment and components meet engineering specifications, customer requirements and internal quality standards throughout the product lifecycle.

The role supports manufacturing and supplier quality by investigating nonconformances, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions such as CAPA, with a focus on FAI, NCRs and cross‑functional collaboration across manufacturing, engineering and

Responsibilities

• Ensure manufactured products comply with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Monitor production processes and quality checkpoints to ensure consistent product quality.
• Support implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 22163.
• Review inspection and test documentation prior to product release or shipment.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute First Article Inspections (FAI) for new products, engineering design changes, and new suppliers.
• Review engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOM), and technical specifications to develop FAI inspection plans.
• Prepare or review ballooned drawings and dimensional inspection requirements.
• Verify that first production parts meet all dimensional, functional, and material requirements.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure all required documentation and components are available for FAI.
• Review and validate supporting documentation including: Dimensional inspection results, Material certifications, Test reports and validation records.
• Document FAI results and prepare formal FAI reports for internal and customer review.
• Identify discrepancies during FAI and initiate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) when required.
• Track resolution and closure of FAI-related issues prior to production release.
• Investigate product nonconformances identified during assembly, manufacturing processes, internal testing, customer acceptance testing, and field operations.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methods such as 8D, 5 Why analysis, and Fishbone diagrams.
• Implement and track Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to prevent recurrence.
• Travel to project sites when required to investigate and resolve quality issues.
• Support commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of rail equipment.
• Prepare technical reports documenting investigation findings and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with project teams and customers to ensure timely resolution of field quality issues.
• Analyze quality trends, defect data, and production metrics to identify opportunities for process and product improvements.
• Support supplier quality activities, including resolving supplier-related issues, qualification, and review of documentation.
• Assist with preparation of technical and quality documentation for project proposals and technical evaluations of components or subsystems.

Job description

System One in Santa Fe Springs, CA is seeking a Quality Engineer to ensure rail vehicle equipment and components meet engineering specifications, customer requirements and internal quality standards throughout the product lifecycle.

The role supports manufacturing and supplier quality by investigating nonconformances, performing root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions such as CAPA, with a focus on FAI, NCRs and cross‑functional collaboration across manufacturing, engineering and