Materials Science Quality Engineer II/III

Textron•Wilmington, MA

About The Position

The Quality Engineer supports aerospace and defense programs by applying Quality Engineering principles, materials expertise, and disciplined systems thinking within an AS9100‑regulated environment. This role contributes to mission‑critical product development and production readiness through quality planning, risk mitigation, root cause and corrective action, data‑driven decision making, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and contract requirements. Assignments involve moderately complex defense and aerospace hardware requiring independent execution and cross‑functional coordination.

Requirements

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
Working knowledge of statistical methods (SPC, capability analysis, sampling plans); experience with Minitab or equivalent preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for interaction with customers, suppliers, auditors, and cross‑functional teams.
Ability to interpret aerospace drawings, material specifications, schematics, processes, and inspection requirements.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills aligned with structured aerospace quality methodologies.
Ability to organize and prioritize tasks across multiple programs in a schedule‑driven environment.
Comfortable working both independently and in integrated product teams (IPTs).
Curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes, materials behavior, and inspection/test techniques.
Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP special process concepts, and standard quality tools (RCCA, PFMEA, control plans).
2–5 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields within an AS9100 or ISO9001 aerospace/defense manufacturing environment. (QEII)
5-9 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields within an AS9100 or ISO9001 aerospace/defense manufacturing environment. (QEIII)

Nice To Haves

Experience with Oracle ERP or other aerospace ERP/MRP systems is a plus.
Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) preferred.
Experience with MRB, FAI, or defense/aerospace customer interactions (DCMA, primes) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

Review customer contracts and technical data packages (TDPs) for simple to moderately complex aerospace/defense programs; perform requirements analysis and documentation using compliance matrices.
Develop Quality Plans, QA Directives, Inspection Plans, and other contractually required quality artifacts aligned with AS9100 and customer requirements.
Collaborate with Supplier Quality Engineering to address supplier escapes, source inspection, and flow‑down of requirements to the supply base.
Maintain direct communication with customer Quality Assurance representatives, including DCMA, prime contractors, or government quality contacts as applicable.
Define inspection and test requirements using industry‑standard tools, techniques, and acceptance criteria appropriate for aerospace hardware.
Participate in engineering design reviews focusing on Design for Manufacturability, Design for Inspection, Design for Reliability, and overall DFX compliance.
Support or lead root cause investigations (5‑Why, fishbone, 8D, DMAIC) to address nonconformances, flight hardware deviations, or field returns.
Perform MRB activities including nonconformance evaluation, disposition (permitted by delegation), and defect trend analysis.
Contribute to Program Management reviews, risk assessments, and Earned Value Management (EVM) tasks associated with project quality elements.
Support Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) development, verification, and on‑time delivery of quality‑related deliverables (QAPs, FAI reports, control plans, audit results).
Assist in defining and improving fabrication processes, special processes (e.g., heat treat, coatings, bonding), and build standards for aerospace materials and assemblies.
Interface with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and configuration management to ensure compliance with AS9100, customer specifications, and internal procedures.
Provide status updates to the Cost Account Manager and may perform CAM duties for small or mid‑level work packages.
Support cost and effort estimating for quality tasks on proposals or follow‑on programs.