Senior Process Quality Engineer (PQE)

Firestorm • San Diego, CA

1d • $130,000 - $170,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Firestorm is looking for a Senior Process Quality Engineer (PQE) who will be responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes meet established quality standards. You will drive Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, support root cause analysis and corrective action activities (RCCA), and collaborate cross-functionally to develop and maintain robust process controls. In addition, you will serve as a key quality resource on the production floor and contribute directly to the organization's quality management system (QMS).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related discipline) or in lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years’ experience of relative experience.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Be eligible for an export license from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
• 5+ years of progressive quality engineering experience in an aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Continuous Improvement (CI) tools and methodologies.
• Experience working within an AS9100 (Rev D preferred) or equivalent quality management system.
• Experience with inspection tools and measurement techniques (i.e. CMM, GD&T interpretation, and/or calibration practices).
• Experience conducting or supporting root cause analysis (RCCA) using structured methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and/or GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with statistical quality tools: i.e. SPC, Cpk/Ppk, MSA, and/or control charts.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Nice To Haves

• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification or internal auditor training.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT).
• Data analysis experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification or equivalent CI methodologies and tools.
• Experience with FMEA, control plans, PPAP and/or APQP methodologies.
• Experience supporting DCMA, FAA, or other regulatory audits.
• Familiarity with NADCAP special process requirements (heat treat, NDT, welding, etc.).
• Familiarity with inspection requirements and challenges associated with additive manufacturing, including complex geometries and unique acceptance criteria.

Responsibilities

• Develop in-process and final inspections to verify conformance to engineering drawings, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Review and disposition nonconforming material (NCMRs), initiating and tracking corrective action as required.
• Conduct first article inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 and applicable customer requirements.
• Collaborate with production supervisors and operators to resolve in-process quality escapes and minimize defect rates.
• Maintain and update inspection records, quality logs, and QMS documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and support use/repair disposition decisions.
• Develop, review, and maintain process control plans, control charts, and statistical process control (SPC) metrics.
• Lead or support failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) activities for new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Define and document process parameters, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards in work instructions and quality plans.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, variation sources, and improvement opportunities; drive data-driven decision making.
• Collaborate with engineering during new product introduction (NPI) and ECO implementation to ensure process quality is maintained.
• Support process validation and qualification activities.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, rework, and scrap in alignment with continuous improvement goals.
• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of the Quality Management System.
• Prepare quality metrics and performance reports for management review and customer reporting.
• Support customer source inspections and third-party audits as required.
• Interface with suppliers on quality-related issues when manufacturing process nonconformances involve purchased material.
• Mentor junior quality personnel and cross-train production staff on quality standards and inspection methods.
• Perform other duties as needed

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• Equity grants for new hires
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

What This Job Offers

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