Senior Quality Engineer

Whisper Aero • Nashville, TN

20h

About The Position

Whisper Aero is seeking a highly experienced Senior Quality Engineer to lead end-to-end quality strategies across manufacturing operations, suppliers, and engineering programs in Nashville or Crossville, Tennessee. This role partners with all aspects and disciplines of the business, and closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure product quality, process capability, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in advanced quality and manufacturing systems, supplier quality management, and regulated aerospace systems, including direct experience with AS9100D and FAA Quality System requirements per 14 CFR Part 21.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related discipline) is required and 10-15 years of experience in manufacturing quality engineering, supplier quality, or quality systems.
• Demonstrated experience with AS9100D, APQP, PFMEA/DFMEA, SPC, MSA, RCCA/CAPA, PPAP/FAI.
• Experience leading MRB activities and production quality issue resolution.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience working under FAA CFR Part 21 approved production and quality systems.
• Experience supporting high-rate or highly automated manufacturing environments.
• ASQ certifications (CQE, CSQP) or Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience with complex electromechanical or aerospace assemblies.
• Mastery of ERP, PLM, MES, and quality data analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive quality strategy across engineering and product development, manufacturing, and supplier operations.
• Lead manufacturing quality system development, including process validation, control plans, inspection strategies, and acceptance criteria.
• Own quality execution for new product introduction (NPI), pilot builds, production readiness, and implementation of the QMS for low to high rate production
• Lead supplier qualification, including on-site audits at supplier facilities, surveillance, and performance management.
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (RCCA/CAPA) for internal and supplier nonconformances.
• MRB & Nonconformance: Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) to disposition nonconforming articles while ensuring zero compromise on safety or regulatory compliance.
• Develop and track quality KPIs (yield, defect rates, Cp/Cpk, escapes) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally to identify and mitigate quality, manufacturing, and supply chain risks.
• Communicate quality performance, risks, and improvement plans to senior leadership.
• Participate in cross functional reviews of product and system designs as the quality leader, including detail reviews of drawings and designs (DFMEA), support the configuration control of products (Configuration Control Board)

Benefits

• Top-tier Benefits: 100% paid Medical, dental, and vision for employees, 75% paid for dependents
• PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
• Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee’s no-income-tax life
• End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
• We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional Development Stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees