NPI Quality Engineer

PDW • Huntsville, AL

70d • Onsite

About The Position

This role ensures that every new product launched meets PDW’s rigorous standards for reliability, manufacturability, and mission performance. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management, the NPI Quality Engineer will be instrumental in transitioning designs into production while maintaining uncompromising quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of Quality Engineering experience, preferably supporting new product introduction, complex assembly manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or mission-critical systems.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, RCCA, and other structured quality planning and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience supporting ECR/ECO processes, process validation, supplier qualification, and quality requirements flow-down.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or comparable quality management system requirements.
• Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC), quality metrics, data analysis, and data-driven continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, Program Management, and Quality teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, iterative environment with shifting priorities, aggressive schedules, and high accountability for results.

Nice To Haves

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Experience supporting unmanned systems, aerospace, defense, or other regulated product manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of ITAR requirements, supplier quality expectations, and compliance frameworks relevant to defense manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Own quality deliverables for new product introductions from prototype through production ramp, ensuring each build phase meets PDW's standards for reliability, manufacturability, and mission readiness.
• Partner with Engineering and Program Management to integrate quality milestones into the NPI schedule and communicate readiness, risks, and mitigation plans to key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain control plans, inspection criteria, and test procedures for new assemblies, production processes, and critical-to-quality characteristics.
• Support Engineering Change Requests and Engineering Change Orders (ECRs/ECOs) with clear assessment of quality, reliability, traceability, and compliance impacts.
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations for prototype and pilot build issues, driving containment, corrective action, and prevention of recurrence.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering to incorporate design-for-quality, design-for-manufacturing, and design-for-assembly principles into new products.
• Partner with Supplier Quality Engineering and Supply Chain to qualify new suppliers and verify that incoming materials and components meet PDW quality requirements.
• Support the transition from development to production by validating process readiness, operator training, tooling, equipment qualification, and build documentation.
• Identify and execute process improvements that improve yield, reduce rework and scrap, and strengthen product reliability across pilot and production builds.

Benefits

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level