Quality Engineer #26769

Blue Chip Talent, in partnership with a leading defense manufacturing organization, is seeking a skilled Advanced Quality Engineer (APQP). This role is responsible for leading advanced product quality planning, managing quality assurance activities throughout new product development, and ensuring manufacturing processes and supplier deliverables meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards.

Job Duties

• Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities, including Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Control Plans, and program quality deliverables
• Manage quality assurance activities for new product introductions, ensuring alignment between engineering specifications, manufacturing processes, and customer requirements
• Coordinate APQP reviews, maintain program checklists, track corrective actions, and support customer quality reviews throughout product development
• Develop and execute product validation testing procedures, analyze performance results, and prepare technical test reports
• Oversee quality inspections and testing of raw materials, components, in-process materials, and finished products to ensure compliance with established standards
• Manage supplier quality activities, including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions, supplier assessments, and manufacturing quality support
• Lead root cause investigations and continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies and statistical analysis
• Develop and maintain quality management documentation, standardized processes, and corrective action procedures to support manufacturing and regulatory compliance

Skills & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, or a high school diploma with 10 years of relevant experience
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing quality, quality engineering, or quality assurance within a regulated industry
• 5 years of experience in quality program leadership, supervisory, or management functions
• Hands-on experience with APQP methodologies, including PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and PPAP
• Working knowledge of AS9100D, IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and AS9145 quality standards
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, process capability studies, quality validation testing, and inspection methodologies
• Experience applying structured root cause analysis techniques, including 8D, 5 Whys, and Ishikawa diagrams
• Experience with supplier quality management, manufacturing process improvement, and quality management systems (QMS)

Desired

• Experience supporting defense, aerospace, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) vehicle development and acquisition processes
• Knowledge of systems-based design methodologies, engineering documentation, and manufacturing process validation
• Experience managing supplier PPAP approvals, supplier corrective actions, and production readiness assessments
• Experience developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives and standardized manufacturing quality processes
• Experience with prototype development, product validation, testing equipment calibration, and technical measurement procedures
• Experience supporting quality programs across multinational manufacturing operations and external supplier facilities
• Familiarity with government security clearance requirements and defense industry quality compliance

About Blue Chip Talent

Blue Chip Talent is an award-winning and woman-owned talent solutions provider based out of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For over 30 years, we’ve specialized in IT, Engineering, and Professional Services staffing—now serving clients in 37 states and counting. We connect the market's elite talent with top employers, pairing exceptional white-glove service with proven hiring results to drive innovation and fuel growth.

We offer industry-leading benefits options and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values merit-based recruitment centered around technical ability, skillset, and alignment with our employing partners.