Staff Engineer, Quality (R4840)

Shieldai; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI in Seattle develops autonomous aircraft and seeks a Staff Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives across the product lifecycle, driving improvements from design through full-rate production.

You will develop and maintain robust quality systems aligned with AS9100, lead RCA/CAPA, partner with engineering, manufacturing and suppliers, support NPI, establish control plans and inspection strategies, and mentor teammates in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 5+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering roles
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA)
• Strong knowledge of quality systems and standards (AS9100 or similar)
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and scaling production in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and process control methods (SPC, capability analysis, etc.)
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lean Six Sigma certification, or equivalent
• Knowledge of design for quality principles, including DFMEA, tolerance analysis, and design reviews
• Experience working with quality and manufacturing systems (QMS, MES, PLM) and data analysis tools
• Familiarity with advanced inspection or test methods (metrology, NDT, automated inspection, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Lead quality initiatives across the product lifecycle
• Develop and maintain robust quality systems in alignment with AS9100 standards
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA)
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to identify risks and improve process capability
• Support NPI efforts and establish control plans and inspection strategies
• Mentor team members and influence cross-functional decisions in aerospace technology

Skills

RCA/CAPA

Cross-functional collaboration

Statistical analysis

DFMEA

Capability analysis

Quality engineering

Process engineering

Aerospace/defense experience

AS9100 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Equivalent practical experience

Tools

QMS

MES

PLM

Metrology

NDT

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

At Shield AI, we’re building advanced autonomous aircraft that are redefining what is possible, and we are looking for a Staff Quality Engineer to help ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. In this role, you will lead quality initiatives across the product lifecycle, driving improvements from early design and new product introduction through full-rate production.

You will be responsible for developing and maintaining robust quality systems in alignment with AS9100 standards, leading root cause investigations and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions. You will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams to identify risks, improve process capability, and ensure consistent product quality. Your work will include supporting NPI efforts, establishing control plans and inspection strategies, and using data-driven methods to monitor and improve manufacturing performance.

As a Staff Quality Engineer, you will play a key role in shaping quality strategy, mentoring team members, and influencing cross-functional decisions without direct authority. This is an opportunity to work hands on with next generation aerospace technology and contribute directly to the delivery of highly reliable autonomous systems that will define the future of aviation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 5+ years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering roles
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA)
• Strong knowledge of quality systems and standards (AS9100 or similar)
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and scaling production in a manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and process control methods (SPC, capability analysis, etc.)
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability industries
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Lean Six Sigma certification, or equivalent
• Knowledge of design for quality principles, including DFMEA, tolerance analysis, and design reviews
• Experience working with quality and manufacturing systems (QMS, MES, PLM) and data analysis tools
• Familiarity with advanced inspection or test methods (metrology, NDT, automated inspection, etc.)

*Compensation for this role is based on the position’s work location. The salary range shown reflects the listed location and may vary if the position is based in a different geographic market. Actual compensation will also consider factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.