Sr Quality Assurance Engineer (Onsite)

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

At RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

As a Sr. Quality Assurance Engineer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of optical components, assemblies, and precision‑machined parts used in aerospace and defense applications. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop and maintain quality processes, drive continuous improvement, and support real‑time manufacturing operations.

This role is onsite in Carlsbad, California.

What You Will Do

• 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 (e.g., 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 quality management system (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%.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering within an aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience with quality tools, including FMEA, Control Plans, Root Cause & Corrective Action, and Statistical Process Control.
• Experience and familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools and documentation processes.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience working directly with optical assemblies, coatings, or metrology equipment.
• Knowledge of Solumina, SAP, or similar MES/QMS systems.
• Experience in statistical analysis, capability studies, or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Familiarity with design‑for‑manufacture and design‑for‑quality concepts.
• Experience leading cross‑functional problem‑solving teams.
• Formal certifications such as CQE, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or similar.

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance,critical illnessinsurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Operations, Supply Chain and EH&S

The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a part in managing our innovative products from inception to delivery. The Operations team continues to grow and aims to strengthen the connection of Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) across Collins Aerospace. In this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to network across our businesses and functions, all while improving the productivity, quality and efficiency of our operations worldwide.

WE ARE REDEFINING AEROSPACE

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.