Principal Quality Engineer (Onsite)

RTX•Charlottesville, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. The Quality Engineer supports the site Quality Management System (QMS), ensures product and process compliance, and provides technical expertise across the manufacturing value stream. This role partners with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve processes, reduce defects, prevent escapes, and strengthen compliance to requirements. The Quality Engineer leads investigations, supports MRB, provides training, evaluates processes, drives continuous improvement, and mentors Quality Technicians to elevate overall quality performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field or equivalent and 8 years of experience in quality engineering within a manufacturing environment; aerospace, or related field
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, GD&T, process validations, and quality tools.
Strong understanding of QMS requirements, manufacturing processes, and inspection methods.
Certified Quality Engineer or other similar certifications
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements.
Experience supporting or leading audits (internal or external).
Proficiency with data analysis, metrics, and quality software systems (e.g., QMS, ERP, SPC tools).

Responsibilities

Monitor product and process compliance to requirements and ensure adherence to quality standards.
Coordinate with Product and Process Manufacturing Engineers (MEs) to clarify and maintain product/process requirements.
Evaluate manufacturing processes and hardware to confirm compliance with specifications, drawings, and QMS requirements.
Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to improve part quality signature and reduce variability.
Support day‑to‑day manufacturing activities, including review and approval of work instructions, PARs, and First Article Inspections (FAI).
Coordinate with Manufacturing to define inspection plans and analyze data across the manufacturing value stream.
Improve manufacturing, assembly, inspection, and test processes to reduce defects and prevent customer escapes.
Provide quality engineering support to operations teams through interpretation of requirements and process approvals.
Lead and support internal and external quality audits.
Provide technical expertise on nonconforming material and support MRB activities, including quality notifications requiring customer approval for dispositions.
Lead or support root cause analysis and implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
Use continuous improvement tools and lean principles to investigate noncompliance issues and drive lasting improvements.
Define and implement quality improvement plans that support business objectives including Quality, CORE, and Financial metrics.
Lead process improvement opportunities using CORE and Lean strategies to enhance quality and reduce inspection costs.
Act as Customer Liaison, participate in Market Feedback Analysis (MFA), and ensure accurate, on‑time submission of shipment data.
Mentor Quality Technicians and assist in closing skills and process gaps.
Develop and deliver technical training to inspection and operations teams.
Identify opportunities to improve team capability and strengthen process discipline.
Coordinate with operations, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure process alignment and compliance.