Quality Engineer

Laborup • Oak Ridge, TN

11d • $80,000 - $100,000

About The Position

We’re looking for a driven, hands-on Quality Engineer to join our high-spec aerospace and defense manufacturer. We don't just make parts; we specialize in large CNC machined components and complex fabricated assemblies used in some of the most notable military and defense platforms out there. You will be helping build critical, close-tolerance hardware for aerospace, defense, and energy applications where failure is simply not an option.
This role is the anchor of our manufacturing integrity. You will own the entire lifecycle of quality for our projects. On the front end, you will analyze new requirements to build a clear, actionable quality plan. Through production, you will work hand-in-hand with the shop floor to establish and maintain those quality processes. Finally, on the back end, you will own the critical "paper trail"—compiling the rigorous documentation that proves our parts meet the standard, and hosting customer source inspectors to validate the process.
We are looking for extreme ownership—someone who possesses strong mechanical aptitude, a meticulous eye for detail, and the drive to eliminate problems at their root. Because you touch every phase of production—from planning and the shop floor to final customer delivery—this role gives you unmatched visibility into the entire business. You can use this experience to master advanced quality engineering, or leverage it as a powerful stepping stone to expand into broader manufacturing, project management, or engineering roles.
If you aren't afraid of the sights and sounds of a real machine shop and want to take ownership of the final mile of delivery, we want you on our team.

Requirements

• Extreme Ownership: You take full accountability for the compliance and integrity of the final product. You understand that in aerospace and defense, a missing heat lot number or plating cert is a critical failure, not just a typo.
• Shop Floor Readiness: You aren't just a desk engineer. You thrive in a hands-on manufacturing environment and work directly alongside machinists and fabricators to establish quality processes.
• The "Liaison" Personality: You have the communication skills and "EQ" to bridge the gap between internal shop floor teams and external customer source inspectors. You are the face of our quality during inspections.
• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in complex manufacturing environments.
• Prior experience in manufacturing and the implementation/auditing of QMS standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, NQA-1, or equivalent).
• Deep familiarity with AS9102 FAI forms, traceability requirements, and rigorous documentation standards (PPAP/Control Plans).
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to read and interpret complex engineering blueprints and GD&T.
• Basic operational knowledge of inspection tools and CMMs (Zeiss/Calypso preferred, but general aptitude is fine).

Responsibilities

• Upfront Quality Planning: Analyze new project requirements, engineering blueprints, and statements of work to create actionable quality plans, ensuring compliance with customer specifications and rigorous industry standards before manufacturing begins.
• QMS Implementation & Auditing: Oversee the implementation of our ISO 9001, AS9100, and NADCAP Quality Management Systems. Serve as a lead auditor to ensure ongoing QMS effectiveness and adherence to standards.
• The "Paper Trail" & Traceability: Own the final delivery documentation. Compile First Article Inspection Reports (FAIs) strictly adhering to AS9102 standards, and manage PPAPs, Material Certs, and Certificates of Conformance (CoCs).
• Source Inspection Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact when customer representatives come onsite. Schedule their visits, stage the parts and paperwork, and walk them through the validation process with confidence.
• Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA): Lead the company in developing countermeasures to eliminate quality problems. Use methods like "5 Whys" for deep root cause analysis, and manage SCARs (Supplier Corrective Action Requests) when outside processing fails to meet our standards.
• Technical Inspection Support: Oversee inspection and testing services for close-tolerance machined components. Utilize a strong understanding of GD&T and basic CMM operations to verify dimensional data when needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including paid healthcare, holidays, and vacation.
• Matching 401k.
• Education reimbursement.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree