Senior Quality Engineer

Overview

Industry: Aerospace/Defense

Position Title: Senior Quality Engineer 

Location: Sykesville, MD (local dedicated support)  - potential travel as needed to support suppliers within reasonable commute 

Frequency: as needed based on customer/supplier requirements

Employment Type: VTR W2 Field Employee 

Compensation: $45/hr

Coverage & Location Expectations

• Primary support will be onsite in Sykesville, MD with additional support required in Maryland and surrounding areas embedded within supplier operations
• This role is intended to provide consistent, hands-on support at a primary supplier location, with flexibility to support additional sites as needed
• Candidates should be locally based or within reasonable proximity to support same-day or next-day response for urgent program needs
• Regional coverage may be required on an as-needed basis to support surge activity, priority requests, or program demands
• Ability to support full-time onsite at a single supplier or flex across multiple suppliers depending on workload and priorities

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly qualified and self-motivated Senior Quality Engineer to support quality assurance and supplier quality activities across advanced aerospace and defense programs.

This role requires a seasoned professional with experience supporting high-reliability, mission-critical hardware within regulated environments, including source inspection, First Article Inspection (AS9102), process and Quality Management System (QMS) audits, and supplier performance oversight. The ideal candidate will serve as a key technical interface between supplier operations and customer expectations, ensuring strict compliance to engineering, contractual, and regulatory requirements while supporting system-level integration, traceability, and risk mitigation.

This position supports suppliers contributing to space systems, defense electronics, mission systems, and advanced aerospace platforms, requiring adaptability across mechanical, electrical, and integrated system environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform source inspections at supplier facilities to verify product conformity to engineering, contractual, and regulatory requirements
• Review and validate First Article Inspection (FAI) packages in accordance with AS9102 Rev C requirements using NetInspect online platform
• Collaborate in real time with supplier staff to resolve defects in documentation or physical product to ensure timely delivery of product
• Conduct process audits to ensure compliance with internal procedures and industry standards (e.g., AS9100, special process)
• Support expediting activities, including tracking and reporting supplier performance, delivery status, and risk mitigation
• Oversee and support shipping and receiving inspections, ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and product integrity
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and purchase order requirements to ensure accurate inspection and compliance
• Identify nonconformances, document findings, and support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes
• Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement
• Maintain accurate records in web-based databases and ERP systems

Commodity & Capability Experience (Preferred – Not Limiting)

Experience may include, but is not limited to:

Mechanical / Structural / Mission Systems

• Precision machined components and assemblies
• Structural and airframe components
• Actuation systems and deployment mechanisms
• Thermal protection systems and environmental controls
• Integration of mechanical subsystems into larger assemblies

Electrical / Avionics / Interconnect Systems

• Aerospace-grade connectors and cable assemblies
• Wire harnessing and avionics integration
• RF, high-speed digital, and fiber optic systems
• Printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies
• EMI/RFI shielding and grounding systems

Advanced / Program-Relevant Areas

• Space and satellite components (preferred exposure)
• Mission systems and ISR-related hardware
• High-reliability electronics and controlled manufacturing environments
• Experience supporting programs with elevated compliance, documentation, and security requirements

Candidates are not expected to have experience in all areas, but should demonstrate adaptability across both mechanical and electrical domains.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• 10 years of experience in quality engineering within aerospace, defense, or a highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Source inspection(s) for various commodites 
  • AS9102 First Article Inspection
  • Process audits and QMS audits
  • Expediting and supplier performance management
  • Shipping and receiving inspection processes
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent QMS standards
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications
• Proficiency with ERP systems and web-based quality/data management tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

IPC Certification / Electronics Requirements

• Working knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, etc.) is required
• Current IPC certification is preferred; however, candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain active IPC certifications as required

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and accountability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with distributed teams and supplier networks
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-visibility customer environments
• Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Auditor (CQA) are a plus

Work Environment & Expectations

• Frequent interaction with suppliers and customers, including potential travel to local or regional suppliers to support inspections and audits
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

High level of professionalism in representing the organization to external partner

“We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, political affiliation, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Verify, Inc. will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.”

Salary : $45