Senior Optical QA Engineer - Onsite Carlsbad

Collins Aerospace; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401(k) plan with match

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, invites a Sr. Quality Assurance Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of optical components and precision-machined parts used in aerospace applications.

You will lead quality processes, drive continuous improvement, and support real-time manufacturing operations onsite in Carlsbad, CA. The role requires a strong background in aerospace quality systems and hands-on experience with GD&T, AS9100/ISO 9001, and data-driven problem solving.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree and minimum 3 years of experience.
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering within aerospace/defense or precision manufacturing.
• Experience with quality tools including FMEA, Control Plans, Root Cause & Corrective Action, and SPC.
• Experience with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality engineering efforts for optical component production, assembly, and integration.
• Develop, implement, and maintain quality processes to meet engineering requirements, AS9100 standards, and customer specifications.
• Perform root cause analysis and drive corrective/preventive actions using structured problem-solving tools (5-Why, Fishbone, DMAIC).
• Collaborate with manufacturing, design engineering, and supply chain to address complex quality issues in optical assemblies, coatings, and precision-machined parts.
• Review and improve inspection criteria, sampling plans, and control documentation.
• Support supplier quality activities, including incoming material qualification, audits, and resolution of supplier nonconformances.
• Provide technical guidance to inspectors and technicians on optical and mechanical inspection methods.
• Analyze nonconformance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Author and maintain QMS documentation including work instructions, process standards, and quality plans.
• Participate in internal audits, customer reviews, and production readiness activities.
• Read complex engineering drawings and interpret GD&T.
• Work onsite and support manufacturing operations in real time.
• Travel up to 10%.

Skills

Quality engineering

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional teamwork

Data analysis

Education

University degree in engineering

Tools

FMEA

Control Plans

SPC

AS9100 knowledge

Solumina

SAP

Job description

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, invites a Sr. Quality Assurance Engineer to ensure the quality and reliability of optical components and precision-machined parts used in aerospace applications.

You will lead quality processes, drive continuous improvement, and support real-time manufacturing operations onsite in Carlsbad, CA. The role requires a strong background in aerospace quality systems and hands-on experience with GD&T, AS9100/ISO 9001, and data-driven problem solving.