Quality Assurance Engineer (QAE)

Gunderson Marine•Portland, OR

18d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Quality Assurance Engineer (QAE) with expertise in complex fabrication and shipbuilding to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and AISC Complex Bridge standards. The QAE develops, implements, and maintains quality management systems across fabrication processes, shipbuilding projects, and bridge manufacturing to meet regulatory, contractual, and industry standards. The role supports quality compliance, process improvement, defect resolution, documentation, supplier oversight, customer and regulatory interaction, and team development. Other duties may be assigned to address business needs and changing business practices.

Requirements

5+ years of QA/QC experience in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, or bridge manufacturing.
Expertise in ISO 9001, AISC Complex Bridge Certification, AWS D1.5/D1.1, and NAVSEA standards.
Strong understanding of structural steel fabrication, shipbuilding processes, and regulatory requirements.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Experience with QA software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of three to five years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated knowledge of industry practices, procedures, and standards.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
An equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Nice To Haves

An associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
Quality auditing experience preferred.
Certifications such as CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Level III UT, or Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt).

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain compliance with ISO 9001, ABS Marine Rules, and AISC Complex Bridge requirements, ensuring welding and metallurgical processes align with industry best practices and company policies.
Support management reviews, internal audits, and certification audits by preparing technical documentation, data analysis, and compliance records.
Review and revise QMS procedures, instructions, checklists, and other documentation.
Identify inefficiencies in welding, inspection, and documentation processes, and recommend and implement automation technologies to improve throughput and consistency.
Lead special projects involving welding process optimization, robotic welding trials, and advanced data-capture solutions.
Investigate quality issues and hardware nonconformances, prepare NCR/CAR technical reports, and lead resolution efforts with internal and external stakeholders.
Implement corrective and preventive actions and monitor their effectiveness to prevent recurrence.
Support NCR dispositions with detailed metallurgical or weld engineering justifications when applicable.
Maintain welder continuity records, qualification logs, WPS/PQR registers, and QA/QC weld documentation packages.
Ensure certifications, inspection records, and supporting documents meet regulatory and project-specific requirements.
Partner with Document Control to keep welding- and metallurgy-related documents current, properly revised, and audit-ready.
Evaluate suppliers and subcontractors for compliance with welding and metallurgical quality standards.
Conduct audits, review MTRs and certificates of compliance, and oversee corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified.
Verify compliance with Build America/Buy America (BABA) and project-specific requirements.
Liaise with clients, ABS Surveyors, ODOT, and third-party auditors regarding welding, metallurgy, and automation practices to support product acceptance and certification compliance.
Provide technical support during inspections, witness testing, and project reviews.
Present data and reports clearly and professionally to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
Mentor and train Quality team members in welding processes, metallurgy fundamentals, and automation tools to transfer knowledge and build departmental capability.