Sr. Quality Engineer (APQP)

Astronautics Corp of America • Pine Brook, NJ

22h

About The Position

The Sr. Quality Engineer (APQP) leads deployment, execution, and continuous improvement of AS9145 Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities across aerospace and defense programs. The role serves as a technical authority and facilitator for APQP methodologies, supporting robust product realization, risk mitigation, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. It works cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Program Management, and customers to support successful product launches and lifecycle quality performance.

Requirements

• Minimum 4+ years of hands-on APQP experience using AS9145 within the aerospace and defense industry is highly desired; automotive APQP/PPAP experience along with AS9100 experience will also be considered.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9145, AS9100, AS9102, and related aerospace quality standards is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional APQP teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in quality tools including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and PPAP documentation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, customers, and auditors.
• Ability to work independently while providing technical leadership within a team-oriented environment.
• Must be a US Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in AS9100-certified manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven quality reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute AS9145 APQP and PPAP activities for new product introductions, design changes, and major process changes in aerospace and defense programs.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for AS9145, providing guidance on interpretation, application, and compliance.
• Develop and maintain APQP plans, program roadmaps, and deliverables, including risk assessments, process flow diagrams, PFMEA/DFMEA, control plans, and PPAP documentation.
• Facilitate identification, documentation, and management of Key Characteristics (KCs) and Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) requirements, ensuring appropriate controls and verification methods are in place.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design for manufacturability, producibility, and quality throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9102 and ensure alignment with APQP outputs.
• Perform and lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to APQP gaps, production escapes, and customer issues.
• Mentor and coach quality and cross-functional team members on APQP principles, tools, and aerospace best practices.
• Support internal and external audits related to AS9145, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing risk, improving launch readiness, and enhancing product and process robustness.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Tuition assistance.
• Paid vacation and sick days.
• Paid holidays.
• 9/80 work week with every other Friday off.
• Monthly employee events.

What This Job Offers

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