Senior Quality Engineer

Apera; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to lead quality assurance in a high-precision aerospace manufacturing environment. You will partner with manufacturing, design engineering, supply chain, and inspection teams to ensure product integrity and compliance with aerospace standards.

You will drive FAI per AS9102, develop inspection and control plans, mentor teams on SPC/MSA, and lead CAPA and MRB processes while promoting continuous improvement across the organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering within aerospace or precision manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing or production floor quality support
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)
• Experience with inspection tools, GD&T interpretation, and metrology equipment
• Strong understanding of SPC, MSA, and process capability analysis
• Familiarity with nonconformance management and MRB processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Experience working with ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Lead quality engineering activities across manufacturing and assembly operations for aerospace components and systems
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific quality requirements
• Drive First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 and oversee documentation accuracy and approvals
• Develop and implement inspection plans, control plans, and quality assurance procedures
• Support shop floor operations with real-time quality issue resolution and containment actions
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for nonconformances
• Manage MRB (Material Review Board) activities and disposition of nonconforming material
• Collaborate with suppliers to address quality issues and improve incoming material quality
• Perform internal and external audits (process, product, and supplier audits)
• Drive Statistical Process Control (SPC), measurement system analysis (MSA), and process capability studies
• Support calibration and metrology systems to ensure measurement accuracy
• Partner with engineering on DFMEA/PFMEA and process validation activities
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

Skills

Quality engineering

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

AS9100 knowledge

Process improvement

Tools

Inspection tools

Metrology equipment

SPC

MSA

MRB processes

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to support a high-precision aerospace manufacturing environment focused on components and electromechanical systems. This role is highly hands-on and central to ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across production and supplier operations. You will work closely with manufacturing, design engineering, supply chain, and inspection teams to ensure all products meet stringent aerospace standards and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead quality engineering activities across manufacturing and assembly operations for aerospace components and systems
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific quality requirements
• Drive First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 and oversee documentation accuracy and approvals
• Develop and implement inspection plans, control plans, and quality assurance procedures
• Support shop floor operations with real-time quality issue resolution and containment actions
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for nonconformances
• Manage MRB (Material Review Board) activities and disposition of nonconforming material
• Collaborate with suppliers to address quality issues and improve incoming material quality
• Perform internal and external audits (process, product, and supplier audits)
• Drive Statistical Process Control (SPC), measurement system analysis (MSA), and process capability studies
• Support calibration and metrology systems to ensure measurement accuracy
• Partner with engineering on DFMEA/PFMEA and process validation activities
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Quality Engineering within aerospace or precision manufacturing environments
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 quality systems and AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing or production floor quality support
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)
• Experience with inspection tools, GD&T interpretation, and metrology equipment
• Strong understanding of SPC, MSA, and process capability analysis
• Familiarity with nonconformance management and MRB processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation
• Experience working with ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification
• Experience with aerospace electromechanical assemblies or precision-machined components
• Exposure to supplier quality development and auditing
• Familiarity with NDT processes (as applicable to aerospace components)
• Experience supporting FAA or customer regulatory audits
• Background in Lean Manufacturing or Operational Excellence initiatives