Description Are you ready to make a significant impact? We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Quality Assurance Engineer to spearhead Quality Engineering efforts on a vital AS9100 program. In this role, you will manage a skilled team of Quality Engineers, drive quality assurance activities, ensure compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management, you will uphold product integrity and compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
Your next great opportunity awaits. Join our Defense Systems Aerospace sector as a Program Quality Lead Engineer. You will directly manage all quality aspects of a new program, requiring a solid understanding of manufacturing practices related to assembly operations, testing, non-conformances, root cause investigation, and conducting audits (both internal and with third parties). You will handle non-conformances, manage quality flow downs to suppliers, and create inspection instructions. Follow-ups on internal audit findings will be essential to ensure timely closure of any open issues. This role may require occasional travel to various sites, and you will need to submit weekly, monthly, and quarterly quality reports.
If this sounds like the ideal environment for you, keep reading.
Our diverse portfolio at Leidos includes systems, solutions, and services tailored for land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for clients worldwide. We tackle the toughest security challenges for customers with missions where failure is not an option.
Primary Responsibilities: - Leadership & Team Management:
Lead and mentor a team of Quality Engineers supporting the AS9100 program. Assign responsibilities, set priorities, and provide guidance on quality-related tasks. Develop and support training programs to enhance team capabilities. - Quality Engineering & Compliance:
Ensure adherence to AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements throughout the program. Lead risk management, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action (RCCA/CAPA) initiatives. Drive First Article Inspections (FAIs), PPAP, and process validations per industry standards. Support Design Reviews, Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRRs), and Configuration Control Boards (CCBs). - Program Support & Customer Interface:
Act as the primary quality representative for the program, ensuring customer expectations are met. Lead customer audits, source inspections, and quality reviews. Collaborate with Program Management and Engineering to address quality-related challenges. - Continuous Improvement & Data-Driven Decision Making:
Utilize metrics and data analysis to identify trends, drive improvements, and minimize defects. Lead process improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Zero Defect initiatives). Foster a culture of quality and accountability within the organization.
Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree with 8-12 years of prior relevant work experience or a Master's degree with 6-10 years of experience in AS9100 regulated aerospace/defense environments.
- 3+ years of experience leading or managing Quality Engineers.
- Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, and aerospace industry standards.
- Hands-on experience with FAI (AS9102), PPAP, RCCA (8D, 5-Why), and quality tools.
- Proficiency in GD&T, statistical analysis, and risk management tools (FMEA, PFMEA, DFMEA).
- Experience in working with customer quality representatives, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess (as well as maintain) a Final Secret Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications: - Optics background is preferred but not required.
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or AS9100 Lead Auditor certification.
- Experience with DoD, NASA, or hypersonic programs.
- Familiarity with APQP, MSA, and digital transformation initiatives in quality.
- At least 3 years of quality experience in an ISO9001/AS9100 system or equivalent experience in DOD, Aerospace, or Automotive manufacturing quality control.
Original Posting: May 1, 2025
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, this job requisition is expected to remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date.
Pay Range: $89,700.00 - $162,150.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only. Final compensation considerations may include responsibilities, experience, knowledge, skills, and internal equity.