The Quality Engineer II (QE) is accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and/or services to customers and ensures quality controls are met. The QE engages Continuous Improvement (CI) resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, identify, and eliminate flow disruptions and implement visual factory KPI metrics. The QE establishes effective Problem Reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances. The Quality Engineer will have either Customer Quality responsibilities or Product Quality responsibilities, in addition to the general responsibilities outlined.

Position Responsibilities

Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors as necessary

Provides internal auditing support

Responsible for driving corrective action and failure analysis in a timely manner

Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and coordinate Final Inspection activities

Provide guidance and assistance in quality enhancement strategies and the interpretation of workmanship criteria

Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics, implementing Inspection and Quality Plans

Conduct internal audit activities including but not limited to quality management systems, purchasing, contract review process, and manufacturing

Drive trend improvements on the internal & external quality in support of strategic business objectives

Build stable, productive internal/external working relationships using effective interpersonal skills. Effectively articulate concepts and ideas to both technical and non-technical staff

Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures

Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factor

Ensure product acceptance criteria reflects the customers definition of fitness for use

Correspond, as required, with customer representatives to ensure a thorough understanding of their needs and expectations

Participate in the review of engineering specifications to ensure the inclusion of adequate quality and reliability requirements

Work to reduce defects in various processes through data analysis and team problem-solving

Review customer contracts and purchase orders to identify requirements and flow down new customer requirements to all functions

Review New Product Integration (NPI) customer specifications to flow down new requirements to all functions and ensure in establishing compliance to customer requirements

Perform PPAP’s (production part approval process)

Act as liaison for the development & LRIP areas on matters related to NPI process & first article inspection

Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and 5 years’ experience or Master’s degree & at least 3 years’ experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Minimum of 2 - 5 years of related experience

Knowledge of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage R&R Studies and lean manufacturing methodologies.

Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001:AS9100, AS9102 standards and audits

Knowledge of dimensional inspection measurement systems and their application for the inspection of complex products – knowledge of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T). Knowledge in mechanical inspection methods and skills.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Demonstrates proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)

Demonstrates initiative to work efficiently and to streamline processes. Normally receives some instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.

Has a full understanding of one’s specialization and uses professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways

Ability to communicate with customer and suppliers to resolve processes gaps and the ability to apply specified requirements in a cost-effective approach.

Ability to collect, compile and analyze data (using the appropriate six sigma methods and techniques); to determine both the actual root causes of identified problems and required corrective (preventive) actions to prevent recurrence.

Able to affect internal and external DPPM (scrap and rework) reduction and OTD improvements both internally and at our suppliers.

Strong written/verbal communication, analytical, time management and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work well as both an individual contributor and as a member of a team

Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives

Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above ones own interests

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment

Regularly required to stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard

Clearance Level

 

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If youre ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required