Senior Quality Engineer

Thales; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 98,337 - 163,895; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

Job summary

Thales is looking for a Senior Quality Engineer in Irvine, California. This hybrid role involves quality engineering in hardware development, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include quality assurance processes, continuous improvement, and mentorship of team members. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree with at least 4 years of experience, particularly in the Aerospace industry. Strong communication and project management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related experience in Quality Engineering.
• Experience in Aerospace industries and Regulatory Airworthiness activities.
• Proficiency in APQP and Quality Assurance tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cross-functional interactions for quality initiatives.
• Lead audits and continuous improvement projects.
• Prepare documentation and reports for quality activities.

Skills

Quality Assurance processes

FMEA and RCCA

Communication skills

Project Management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor of Science degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Mechanical inspection tools

Job description

Location: Irvine, United States of America

Senior Quality Engineer

Irvine, CA (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Senior Quality Engineer to perform a high‑level quality engineering and quality assurance function in hardware development, manufacturing, and in‑service products. Additional responsibilities include completing tasks and fulfilling roles related to Advance Product Quality Planning (APQP), Regulatory Airworthiness and Thales PMA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA).

In this position, you will also interact with internal cross‑functional teams such as Operations, Engineering, Finance, Program Management and external organizations such as customers, suppliers, service providers, and regulatory agencies. As the Senior Quality Engineer, you will be expected to also serve as a delegate when needed, lead cross‑functional teams to complete tasks & projects (e.g. audits, continual improvements, development of new processes, etc.), and provide mentorship and problem‑solving guidance to team members.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Provides direction and facilitates activities related to Quality Assurance, APQP, Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), Safety Management System (SMS), Product Safety Board, Regulatory, and PMA ODA (at Irvine California and Orlando Florida facilities).
• Confidently makes decisions relative to personnel assignments and functional technical requirements with regards to Hardware Quality Assurance and PMA ODA without requiring approval from the Hardware QA manager/director and PMA ODA Administrator.
• Leads discussions with cross departmental team members for continual improvement efforts and problem resolution; conducts problem‑solving circles, continuous improvement activities, and root cause analysis training; verifies requirements and submits PMA application packages to the PMA ODA Administrator.
• Performs reviews and assessments of: Hardware Quality Engineer and PMA ODA Unit Member performance; Hardware Quality Assurance roles and responsibilities; reports related to product safety investigations and reports/presentations submitted by Hardware Quality Engineers; process compliance, risks, and maturity level during the execution of design and development projects, product design, configuration control, manufacturing processes, and supplier control; technical and contractual requirements flow down and traceability; APQP deliverables, RCCA plans.
• Reporting / Documentation: Provides reports, presentations, formal communications (memos, letters, etc.); revises procedures, forms, inspection instructions; develops reports on the status of tasks and objectives (via written or verbal means).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree with 4+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; accomplished Aerospace industry professional with active involvement in Regulatory Airworthiness activities and use of Regulatory websites.
• Highly experienced within Quality Assurance and Quality Engineering functions across manufacturing environments including Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, and Contract Manufacturing; strong understanding of Quality Assurance tools and terminology including FMEA, RCCA, SPC, Control Plans, Containment, Material Review Board (MRB), Configuration Control, and Quality Assurance Plans.
• Seasoned in the implementation of APQP and highly capable in facilitating teams through all phases of APQP (AS9145) and related tools; proficient in nonconforming parts containment, root cause corrective action, quality systems/process audits, and leading Product Safety Board meetings through thorough evaluation of product safety reports.
• Competent in managing individuals, leading teams, conducting personnel performance evaluations, resolving conflicts related to personnel performance, workload prioritization, and process compliance; able to provide effective solutions aligned to situational objectives and scope while maintaining composure in stressful situations.
• Strong technical and manufacturing comprehension including the use of mechanical inspection tools (calipers, rulers, scales, etc.), interpretation of two‑dimensional drawings, and understanding of technical specifications with a high level of attention to detail and rigor.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and reporting skills with the ability to clearly present ideas verbally and in writing, facilitate meetings effectively in person or virtually, create reports/presentations including proposals, analyses, and status updates, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core business hours Monday‑Friday.
• Physical Environment: Manufacturing / Production areas, lab testing facilities, warehouse.
• Physical Demands: Typing on a laptop or desktop computer, reading, sitting, walking, lifting up to 25 lbs., bending at the knees and waist.
• Travel: Potentially 20% domestic and international travel.
• Personal Vehicle Usage: When needed, the employee’s personal vehicle will be used to travel to local suppliers, testing facilities, suppliers, and airport.

Legal and Equal Opportunity

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at [e-mail].

Benefits

• Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with company contribution and match, no vesting period
• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well‑being Program

Compensation

Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range: 98,337.00 - 163,895.00 USD annual.