Quality Mission Assurance Engineer, Sr.

Worker Type

Regular Job Description

Summary The Sr. Quality Mission Assurance Engineer (QE) is accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and/or services to customers and ensures quality controls are met. The Sr. QE engages Continuous Improvement (CI) resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, identify, and eliminate flow disruptions and implement visual factory KPI metrics. The Sr. QE establishes effective Problem Reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances. The Sr. Quality Mission Assurance Engineer will have either Customer Quality responsibilities or Product Quality responsibilities, in addition to the general responsibilities outlined, utilizing statistical methods to analyze production data to optimize the full production process and drive continuous improvement.

Position Responsibilities: Lead and facilitate implementation of process, and AS9100D internal audits.

Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors as necessary

Responsible for driving corrective action and failure analysis

Perform training on BMS procedures with workforce, as required. Provides internal auditing support

Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and coordinate Final Inspection activities

Experience and a strong understanding of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage R&R Studies and ANOVA.

Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing processes with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency

Coordinate Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methodology to drive continuous improvement strategies in productivity, quality, and lead time reduction

Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics; implementing Inspection and Quality Plans

Perform Gemba studies and data collection for the purposes of understanding improvement opportunities in a designated area

Lead root cause analysis and problem solving efforts

Participate in the design and development of manufacturing workflows and layout of equipment for maximum efficiency

Lead collaborative engineering improvement activities alongside other engineering functions and suppliers to improve cost, cycle time, or to drive quality improvement activities

Perform hands-on work to support production floor, AV integration, and assembly processes as required

Implement best practices and develop standard work

Act as a change agent promoting continuous improvement

Lead and/or support all phases of quality management

Monitor and ensure sustainment of implemented improvements at an operational level

Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience): Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Minimum of 8 – 12 years of related experience

AS9100D Lead Auditor, knowledge of ISO 9001:AS9100

Familiar with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies and tools for process development and control

Familiar with electro-mechanical manufacturing, ASME Y14.5 (GD&T), procedures, and Bill of Materials

Expertise in root cause analysis and problem-solving principles

First Article AS9102

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate, interact and communicate with all levels of an organization

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies: ASQ CQE

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt preferred

Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives

Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Strong organization skills, able to work well under pressure and manage several tasks simultaneously

Follow-through for assignments with a minimum direction and detail oriented

Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)

Up to 5% travel may be required

Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

Holds a Class C Drivers license in the state of CA.

Clearance Level

No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $122,500 - $187,000 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.