Quality Engineer

Description

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the dimensional accuracy, performance, and reliability of aerospace-grade ball screws and associated precision-machined components. This role requires strong hands-on inspection capability, including the ability to perform in-machine measurements while parts remain fixtured in CNC machining centers. The engineer will develop and execute inspection plans, validate machining processes, analyze nonconformances, and collaborate closely with manufacturing, engineering, and suppliers to maintain compliance with aerospace quality standards. The ideal candidate combines deep metrology expertise with practical shop-floor experience and a strong understanding of precision mechanical components used in flight-critical actuation systems.

Major Responsibilities

• Perform precision dimensional inspections of ball screws, nuts, and related components using CMMs, optical systems, micrometers, profilometers, thread measurement tools and similar equipment.
• Conduct in-machine inspection and measurement of parts while fixtured in CNC machining centers to validate tool offsets, critical features, and machining accuracy.
• Develop and maintain inspection plans, control plans, and first article inspection (FAI) documentation.
• Verify lead accuracy, pitch variation, straightness, runout, surface finish, and other ball screw specific characteristics.
• Collaborate with machinists and manufacturing engineers to ensure machining processes meet tolerances.
• Validate and monitor process capability (Cp/Cpk) for critical features.
• Support root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions (RCCA/8D) for nonconforming parts.
• Review and approve work instructions, inspection methods, and process changes.
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001/AS9100, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.
• Prepare and maintain FAI packages, inspection reports, deviation requests, and quality records.
• Participate in internal and external audits, supplier assessments, and customer reviews.
• Work closely with design engineering to interpret GD&T, drawings, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Partner with manufacturing to optimize fixturing, machining strategies, and inspection workflows.
• Support supplier quality activities, including incoming inspection and supplier corrective actions.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field and 5+ years of quality engineering experience in aerospace, precision machining, or motion-control components.
• Strong proficiency in dimensional metrology, GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and precision measurement tools.
• With limited or general supervision, is responsible for evaluating and investigating customer concerns, act to promptly address issues. Proactively seeks guidance from quality management where needed.
• Review quotes and new P.O. contracts for quality requirements. Provide necessary input and concerns to appropriate internal departments ensuring that quality requirements are sent to affected departments in a timely manner.

Minimum Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to perform in-machine inspection and interpret measurements taken while parts remain fixtured.
• Experience with CMM programming (PC-DMIS, Zeiss Calypso, or equivalent) and manual inspection techniques.
• Understanding of ball-screw geometry, lead accuracy, preload, and mechanical performance characteristics.
• Familiarity with AS9100, AS9102, and aerospace quality systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including root-cause analysis and corrective action methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aerospace actuation systems or precision motion components.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and advanced metrology techniques.
• Background in machining processes, CNC programming, or fixture design.
• Exposure to non-destructive testing (NDT) relevant to mechanical components.
• Comfortable working within ERP/MRP systems.