Staff Quality Engineer - Aerospace NPI & RCA Lead

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 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.