Quality Engineer - II

Since 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has been enhancing the passenger experience through innovative aircraft seat design and manufacturing. With locations in California, Washington, and Germany we are guided by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality.

We are looking for a skilled Quality Engineer to join our team in Huntington Beach, CA. This is an on-site position based in Huntington Beach, CA. We value teamwork, inclusivity, and continuous professional development, and we offer competitive benefits along with opportunities for growth.

Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

JOB SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer is responsible for monitoring and improving customer and internal quality performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). This role drives continuous improvement by analyzing quality and performance data, identifying trends and areas of risk, and implementing corrective and preventive actions using established methodologies and tools, including process mapping, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Six Sigma, Kaizen, A3 problem-solving, fishbone analysis, and root cause analysis. The Quality Engineer develops inspection plans, provides technical support for inspection activities, and partners cross-functionally with Program Management, customers, and internal teams to resolve quality issues, improve processes, and ensure customer and business requirements are consistently achieved.

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions (Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Quality Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as an integral contributor to product quality throughout development and production, supporting quality of design, manufacturing processes, and workmanship.
• Partner with Quality Control, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Production teams to identify quality concerns and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze internal quality data, nonconformances, corrective actions, defects, and process performance, to identify trends and including opportunities for improvement.
• Lead structured problem-solving and root cause analysis using quality tools and methodologies such as process mapping, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Six Sigma, Kaizen, A3, fishbone analysis, and other applicable techniques.
• Develop and implement quality improvement plans and corrective actions to improve product and process performance.
• Support supplier quality issues by assisting with investigation, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and resolution of quality concerns.

Customer & Program Quality

• Monitor and analyze customer quality and satisfaction KPIs, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as a quality interface with customers and Program Management to address program-specific quality requirements, concerns, nonconformances, and corrective actions.
• Identify, interpret, and ensure appropriate implementation of customer-specific quality requirements.
• Prepare and submit nonconformance documentation and other required quality documentation to customers.
• Travel as required to support customer, supplier, source inspection, and auditing activities.

Inspection, FAI & Quality Planning

• Develop inspection plans and acceptance criteria to support incoming, in-process, and final inspection activities.
• Create, review, and perform First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
• Provide technical support to inspection personnel in interpreting drawings, specifications, requirements, and acceptance criteria.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Develop, maintain, and improve quality procedures and processes in accordance with AS9100 and applicable customer, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Support internal, customer, process, and other applicable quality audits, including preparation, participation, corrective action, and follow-up activities.
• Review and approve applicable engineering documentation to ensure quality and customer requirements are appropriately addressed.
• Review and approve applicable purchasing and planning documentation for compliance with quality requirements.

Nonconformance & Change Management

• Champion Material Review Board (MRB) activities, coordinating the evaluation, disposition, and resolution of nonconforming material.
• Own the Quality function's participation in Change Control Board (CCB) activities, evaluating proposed changes for potential quality, compliance, and customer impacts.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure nonconformances, corrective actions, and quality-related changes are effectively documented, implemented, and closed.

Other

• Maintain a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures.
• Protect the confidentiality of the Company’s information and products.
• Contribute to team efforts by performing other job-related duties and projects as assigned or requested.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: Placement into a level will be based on an individual's experience, qualifications, business needs, budget availability, and demonstrated performance.

• Level I: 0–2 years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, certification, or a related aerospace environment.
• Level II: 2–5 years of progressively responsible experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, certification, or a related aerospace environment, with demonstrated ability to independently apply engineering and quality principles to support product, process, and compliance requirements.
• Level III: 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, certification, or a related aerospace environment, including demonstrated technical leadership, mentoring, or coordination of assigned work. Must have the ability to independently lead complex quality activities, investigations, corrective actions, and cross-functional quality improvement initiatives with minimal supervision.

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, AS9145, and AS9102 requirements and their application within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, certification processes, and aerospace quality requirements, including familiarity with 14 CFR Part 21 and other applicable regulatory requirements commensurate with level.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, technical documentation, customer requirements, and manufacturing procedures.
• Working knowledge of quality engineering methodologies and continuous improvement tools, including Process Mapping, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Six Sigma, Kaizen, A3 Problem Solving, Fishbone Analysis, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of inspection methods, measurement equipment, First Article Inspection (FAI), and conformity verification processes used to ensure compliance with engineering, quality, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Suppliers, Customers, and other cross-functional stakeholders.

Other:

• Extended or irregular hours may be required.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Elevate Aircraft Seating is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company.
• As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively and handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• ASQ Quality Engineer Certificate preferred.

SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

Direction is provided for assignments in terms of desired outcome (goals), timing and budget. Work is reviewed or measured in terms of meeting organizational objectives and schedules.

• Level I: Work is measured based upon how well objectives have been met. Receives detailed instructions as needed.
• Level II: Work is reviewed upon completion on how well objectives have been met. Will autonomously work on routine programs / tasks with frequent status updates to supervisor. Will be provided with additional guidance on more complex or non-routine tasks.
• Level III: Work is reviewed upon completion on how well objectives have been met. Will work autonomously with only occasional status updates with supervisor.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

• N/A

PROBLEM SOLVING
Develop and provide solutions to complex problems based on established precedents and are consistent with organization objectives.

• Level I: Uses judgment to make innovative decisions that comply with instructions or pre-determined processes, methods, and/or practices.
• Level II: Uses judgment to plan, perform and make decisions on design and processes within the limits of established boundaries and requirements.
• Level III: Uses considerable judgment to plan and perform complex work. Decisions may involve innovation and ingenuity.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both reading and verbally.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Elevate Aircraft Seating offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Salary Range Transparency: $80,000 - $110,000 annually

Featured Benefits:

• Up to 7% bonus potential (for bonus eligible positions)
• Generous 401(K) matching with immediate eligibility and vesting
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off
• 12 paid holidays
• Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family
• And so much more!

Other Perks:

• On-site gym
• Free electric car charging stations
• Potential for growth within organization
• Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture