Quality Engineer

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc., a global leader in advanced defense systems, is seeking a skilled and detail-driven Quality Engineer to join our growing team in Johnstown, PA. In this pivotal role, you’ll ensure the quality and consistency of our products by leading quality assurance efforts tied to supplier evaluation, qualification, and product verification. Your work will help guarantee that every component meets exacting specifications—supporting mission-critical systems like our Remote Weapon Stations (RWS).

If you're passionate about precision, problem-solving, and making a real impact in the defense industry, we invite you to bring your expertise to Kongsberg and help us shape the future of defense technology.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform first article inspection, surveillance, qualification audits, and ongoing oversight of supplier products and processes including review and verification of supplier process qualifications and in-process operations to ensure products are in compliance with KPS USA technical, quality and contract requirements.
• Interface with suppliers’ technical and management personnel to identify and investigate quality issues, determine root cause, and collaboratively develop corrective action and implement solutions.
• Provide support to purchasing and production to ensure compliance with design specifications and KPS USA policies and procedures by monitoring incoming and process defect rates, developing inspection plans and procedures, addressing supplier issues and identifying problems or concerns.
• Work with the associated purchaser to monitor and improve supplier’s quality performance when necessary. Maintain supplier quality ratings.
• Interface with customers; respond to customer and supplier inquiries regarding quality assurance issues.
• Facilitate an internal multi-disciplinary team approach, supporting production, procurement and quality to identify and coordinate resolutions to quality issues and concerns, utilizing the Material Review Board (MRB) in accordance with the Quality Management System.
• Obtain input and interface with design engineering experts on appropriate issue resolution and implement corrective action requests involving engineering as needed.
• Provide guidance to associates by interpreting engineering drawings and specifications and conducting Quality Assurance (QA)/Process training.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or engineering required, or equivalent of high school diploma/ general education degree (GED) plus 5-8 years of experience as a quality engineer in a manufacturing environment. Certified Quality Auditor or Certified Quality Engineer certification beneficial.

NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 3 years of experience as a quality engineer in a manufacturing setting (if holding BS in Engineering);
• Department of Defense or regulatory agency setting preferred Background in sand casting technology, metallurgy, Machine Shop cable/harness assembly, Printed Circuit Boards and welding preferred
• Knowledge of AS9100 and ISO14001/18001 auditing procedures preferred.
• Must be proficient at reading and interpreting engineering drawings and understanding Geometric Dimensioning and tolerances
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:

• 6 months ( )

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

• Concentration/attentiveness; high level of decision making, high level of recordkeeping, independent judgment and discretion, manage multiple projects/tasks; respond to angry/upset individuals, read and comprehend instructions, procedures and manuals.
• Operate a vehicle for travel, see, sit, use of hands to type or handle objects, walk.
• Ability to work with fine detail and distinguish color.
• Ability to travel, as needed, both domestically and internationally.

OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:

• Follow established confidentiality policy, safety standards, or applicable regulations.
• Knowledge of supplier management. Leadership and supervisory skills. Organizational skills.

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations.

In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

•             401(k) matching

•             Dental insurance

•             Flexible schedule

•             Flexible spending account

•             Health insurance

•             Health savings account

•             Life insurance

•             Paid time off

•             Tuition reimbursement

•             Vision insurance

Experience level:

•             3 years

Training:

6 months ( )

Schedule:

•             Day shift

•             Holidays off

•             Monday to Friday

•             980 Schedule

Work setting:

•             In-person

•             Manufacturing facility

Ability to commute/relocate:

•             Johnstown, PA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work.