Senior Quality Engineer

Precision Castparts; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits

Job summary

Precision Castparts in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives in a precision metal machining environment serving aerospace. The role collaborates with machinists, engineers, and production leadership to uphold AS9100/ISO9001 standards and drive continuous improvement.

You will apply SPC, APQP per AS9145, conduct design reviews, manage NCRs/CAPAs, mentor inspectors, and support supplier quality audits in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with quality certifications.
• 5+ years quality engineering in metal machining and aerospace manufacturing.
• Familiar with AS9100 and ISO9001.
• Skilled in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T and machining specs.
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Experience with SPC, APQP, CAPA, and problem-solving methods.

Responsibilities

• Audit processes with operators and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
• Plan analysis, inspection, testing, and integration for product quality.
• Review design documentation for compliance with requirements and standards.
• Apply SPC to analyze data and monitor process performance.
• Lead APQP activities under AS9145 with cross-functional teams.
• Manage NCRs and CAPA; support supplier quality audits.
• Mentor quality inspectors and junior engineers; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

AS9100 knowledge

ISO 9001 knowledge

GD&T interpretation

SPC analysis

8D problem solving

CAPA implementation

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

QMS software

Metrology software

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on, collaborative Senior Quality Engineer to join our team in a precision metal machining environment serving the aerospace industry. This role is deeply integrated with shop floor operations, working closely with machinists, engineers, and leadership to ensure product quality, drive process improvements, and uphold aerospace standards. The ideal candidate thrives in a team-oriented environment and is passionate about building strong relationships to solve problems and elevate performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Always demonstrate a strong safety focus and perform job functions with integrity.
• Partner with machine operators and production staff to audit processes, identify quality issues, and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
• Plan and conduct analysis, inspection, design reviews, testing, and integration to ensure the quality of assigned products or components.
• Perform quality engineering reviews of design documentation for compliance with requirements, including vendor quality manuals and internal quality records.
• Apply statistical process control (SPC) methods to analyze data and evaluate current processes and changes.
• Perform Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) in accordance with AS9145 and collaborate with engineering and production to ensure readiness.
• Review all purchased products or components and provide input on acceptance and future sourcing decisions.
• Document data obtained during all quality assurance activities in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Apply problem solving methodologies (e.g. 8d, DMAIC) and tools (e.g. Ishikawa, 5 Whys, FTA, PFD/ FMEA) to solve problems identified during quality assurance activities.
• Communicate significant quality issues or developments and recommend process improvements to management.
• Prepare and present technical and program information to team members and leadership.
• Direct technical and administrative personnel engaged in quality assurance activities.
• Maintain a working knowledge of government and industry quality assurance codes and standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP).
• Support and participate in internal and external supplier quality system audits.
• Manage non-conformance reports (NCRs), root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Conduct internal audits and support external audits (AS9100, NADCAP, customer).
• Mentor and support quality inspectors and junior engineers, fostering a culture of quality and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and certifications.
• Minimum 5 years or More years of quality engineering experience in a metal machining and aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Must have working knowledge of AS9100 and/or ISO9001
• Proficient in interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and machining specifications.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of effectively prioritizing and multitasking.
• Must possess excellent technical, written, and verbal communication skills, and demonstrate strong organizational abilities.
• Knowledgeable in product development, process optimization, risk analysis, continuous improvement, and verification/validation activities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and communicate clearly with all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make informed, confident decisions during pressure situations.
• Intermediate skills in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work primarily in a manufacturing environment – environments that may be noisy, hot, cold, or dusty
• Must be able to periodically walk and or travel to other areas of the plant and navigate around machinery, production lines, and different areas of the facility.
• Ability to bend, squat, or reach to inspect equipment or products
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with NADCAP special processes (e.g., NDT, heat treat, welding).
• Familiarity with ERP and QMS systems.

Why Join Us?

• Be a key contributor in a team-driven, quality-focused culture.
• Work on cutting-edge aerospace components in a high-precision environment.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership.