Quality Engineer I at AeroVironment in Simi Valley, CA

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Quality Engineer (QE) I is accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and/or services to customers and ensures quality controls are met. The QE engages Continuous Improvement (CI) resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, identify and eliminate flow disruptions and implement visual factory KPI metrics. The QE establishes effective Problem Reporting and CAPA systems for Containment, Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances. The Quality Engineer will have either Customer Quality responsibilities or Product Quality responsibilities, in addition to the general responsibilities outlined. Position Responsibilities Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors as necessary Perform training on BMS procedures with workforce, as required. Provides internal auditing support Responsible for driving corrective action and failure analysis in a timely manner Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and coordinate Final Inspection activities Provide guidance and assistance in quality enhancement strategies and the interpretation of workmanship criteria Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics; implementing Inspection and Quality Plans Conduct internal audit activities including but not limited to quality management systems, purchasing, contract review process, and manufacturing Drive trend improvements on the internal and external quality in support of strategic business objectives Ensure product acceptance criteria reflects the customer's definition of fitness for use. Correspond, as required, with customer representatives to ensure a thorough understanding of their needs and expectations. Participate in the review of engineering specifications to ensure the inclusion of adequate quality and reliability requirements. Work to reduce defects in various processes through data analysis and team problem-solving Review customer contracts and purchase orders to identify requirements and flow down new customer requirements to all functions. Review New Product Integration (NPI) customer specifications to flow down new requirements to all functions and ensure in establishing compliance to customer requirements. Perform PPAP's (production part approval process). Act as a liaison for the development and LRIP areas on matters related to NPI process and first article inspection. Learns to use professional concepts. Applies company policies & procedures to resolve routine issues Works on problems of limited scope. Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor's degree in related discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Minimum of 0 - 2 years of related experience Basic understanding of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage R&R Studies and lean manufacturing methodologies Demonstrated knowledge of ISO 9001:AS9100, AS9102 standards and audits Demonstrates proficiency using MS Office Suite (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel) Ability to communicate with customer and suppliers to resolve processes gaps and the ability to apply specified requirements in a cost-effective approach Ability to collect, compile and analyze data (using the appropriate six sigma methods and techniques); to determine both the actual root causes of identified problems and required corrective (preventive) actions to prevent recurrence Knowledge of dimensional inspection measurement systems and their application for the inspection of complex products – a full understanding of ASME Y14.5 (GD&T) Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Able to affect internal and external DPPM (scrap and rework) reduction and OTD improvements both internally and at our suppliers Build stable, productive internal/external working relationships using effe