Senior Quality Engineer

Saildrone • Alameda, CA

1d • $125,800 - $148,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to join our Quality Operations team. Reporting directly to the Manager of Quality Operations, you will play a critical role in serving as the ultimate guardian of product reliability and bridging the gap between visionary design and rugged, sea-ready execution. We are looking for a technical expert who creates clarity from ambiguity, possesses technical grit to solve complex multi-disciplinary problems, and drives a "Quality First" culture across manufacturing and engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
• 5 to 8+ years of hands-on quality engineering experience in a high-stakes, hardware-centric environment (e.g., Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, or Maritime/Robotics).
• Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting complex GD&T, reading technical drawings, and using CAD models to verify design intent.
• Proven experience utilizing quality toolkits, including PFMEA, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Proficiency with Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Tulip, or Weibull++ 2025.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical insights, failure modes, and risk mitigations across all levels of the organization—from manufacturing technicians to executive leadership.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality standards, including familiarity with PPAP; familiarity with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 is highly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• ISO 9001/AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
• Direct experience with maritime hardware and autonomous systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams in root-cause investigations, data analysis, and containment activities to disposition non-conforming materials (MRB) and execute permanent Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Own and maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, inspection methods, visual standards, and Quality Alerts to mitigate risks and ensure manufacturing consistency.
• Work closely with Supply Chain to manage vendor qualifications, execute First Article Inspections (FAI), and drive Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs).
• Carry out day-to-day operations using technical and quality systems (including Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Weibull++, and Tulip) to maintain hardware traceability and track quality metrics.
• Monitor field performance data to bridge the gap between offshore hardware behavior and design engineering, driving iterative product and reliability improvements.
• Adhere to and scale our Quality Management System (QMS) toward ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards through SOP creation, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and internal audits.
• Utilize Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (SPC, DOE) alongside advanced data analytics tools to evaluate manufacturing metrics, mitigate process variability, and author executive-level presentations that communicate performance trends and corrective strategies to senior management.
• Perform all responsibilities in accordance with company safety standards, maritime protocols, and quality guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave
• Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents
• Equity grants
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options
• Annual professional development reimbursement program
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles

What This Job Offers

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