Lead Quality Engineer

Job Summary

The Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for developing expertise and executing the quality engineering function for 9X Liner Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) components. This role provides leadership and mentorship as an individual contributor, fostering a culture of collaboration with all functions in Asheville and supporting Design teams. Success will be measured by ensuring quality of on-time delivered product, driving continuous improvement in yield, and process efficiency.

Roles and Responsibilities

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and coordinate process and product improvement programs for 9X Liner CMC components.
• Establish and promote process method excellence within the team and with cross-functional partners.
• Create and sustain an environment of continuous improvement for all assigned products and processes.
• Use RCCA (Root Cause and Corrective Action) to address quality and compliance issues in the area.
• Lead APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) initiatives to ensure successful new product introduction (NPI) and robust ongoing quality control.
• Apply FLIGHT DECK tools to drive continuous improvement in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.

Technical & Production Leadership

• Provide technical guidance on quality requirements, standards, and best practices.
• Offer quality and production leadership to assigned teams, even as an individual contributor.
• Support the development, validation, and industrialization of manufacturing processes for CMC components.
• Work collaboratively with Design, Materials, Manufacturing, and other support organizations to translate design intent into robust manufacturing processes and improve manufacturability and process capability.

Supplier & External Interface

• Interface with outside service providers and suppliers to ensure compliance with quality requirements, verify and improve process capability, and support supplier development and problem resolution.

Operations & Scheduling

• Partner with operations teams on production scheduling to meet customer requirements.
• Support the development and flow of hardware through the manufacturing process.
• Help balance capacity, quality, and delivery needs in daily operations.

Communication & Collaboration

• Effectively communicate key issues, risks, and priorities to operations teams and leadership.
• Share status of quality metrics, improvement actions, and RCCA progress.
• Foster a collaborative culture across functions in Asheville and with Design teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma / GED with at least 4 years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment).
• At least 3 years experience in Manufacturing & Production Quality Assurance.

Desired Characteristics

• Humble: Respectful and receptive to feedback; Agile and adaptable in a dynamic environment; Eager to learn and grow.
• Transparent: Shares critical information in a timely manner; Speaks with candor and honesty; Contributes constructively, even when raising issues.
• Focused: Quick learner with the ability to grasp complex technical topics; Strategically prioritizes work to meet SQDC targets; Committed to achieving results and following through.
• Leadership Ability: Strong communicator across shop floor, engineering, and leadership; Confident decision-maker using data and sound judgment; Collaborative team player who influences without direct authority.
• Problem Solver: Analytical mindset, uses data to understand problems and trends; Challenges existing processes where needed to drive improvement; Strong critical thinker with structured problem-solving skills.
• Technical Expertise: Proven knowledge of machining processes; Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and its application in manufacturing and inspection.

Key skills/competency

• Quality Engineering
• Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)
• Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)
• Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
• Continuous Improvement
• New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Manufacturing Quality Assurance
• Supplier Quality Management
• Process Capability