Prin QA Engineer

General Dynamics - Saco, ME

Full-time - Senior

Saco, ME

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal QA Engineer at General Dynamics Armament Systems Inc is responsible for developing and implementing methods and procedures for process control, process improvement, testing, and inspection to ensure that products are free of flaws and function as designed. This role involves designing and installing sophisticated testing equipment, performing product testing and analysis to maintain quality levels, and minimizing defects and failure rates. The Principal QA Engineer will analyze reports and defective products to determine trends and recommend corrective actions. Collaboration with supplier representatives on quality problems is essential, ensuring that effective corrective actions are implemented and contributing to supplier quality improvement programs. In this position, the Principal QA Engineer will establish quality standards for products and processes, suggesting modifications to prevent defects in components or final products. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product design, product management, and production, to identify and mitigate quality risks. The engineer will conduct audits of production processes, raw materials, or suppliers/vendors to ensure compliance with established quality standards. Additionally, the Principal QA Engineer will conduct root cause analysis for defects, non-conformities, or other quality failures, and may be responsible for ensuring compliance with formal external quality standards, such as ISO 9001.

Responsibilities

• Establishes quality standards for products and processes and suggests modifications to prevent defects in components or final products.
• Works closely with cross-functional teams, including product design, product management, and production, to identify and mitigate quality risks.
• Audits production processes, raw materials, or suppliers/vendors to ensure that established quality standards are met.
• Conducts root cause analysis for defects, non-conformities, or other quality failures.
• Ensures compliance with formal external quality standards, such as ISO 9001.

Requirements

• Associates Degree and/or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience required.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Engineering or other Engineering related degree.
• 8-10 years of experience in quality assurance or related field.
• In-depth knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent standards.
• Proficiency in quality planning, control, assurance, PFMEA and continuous improvement.
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools and techniques, including Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram).
• Ability to implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Knowledge of various testing, inspection, and validation methods.
• Experience in designing and overseeing testing protocols to ensure product quality.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements including Mil-Std and ASME standards.
• Skills in supplier evaluation, auditing, and performance management.
• Experience developing and implementing supplier improvement plans.
• Proficiency in maintaining detailed and accurate quality records and documentation.
• Experience in generating and presenting quality reports to stakeholders.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead and develop quality teams.
• Experience in training and mentoring junior engineers and technicians.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to address and resolve quality-related customer issues.
• Familiarity with quality engineering software and tools (e.g., Minitab, QDA, SPC software).
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and standards.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with contract review and writing quality plans.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and requirements.
• Willingness to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in quality engineering.