Job Description Summary

The Manufacturing Quality Engineer will drive product and process quality across the Wilmington manufacturing operations, with a strong focus on CNC-machined components, APQP practices, and zero-defect performance. This role owns both quality assurance and quality control activities related to manufacturing, in-process operations, and finished products meet internal and customer requirements. You will partner closely with manufacturing, engineering, operations, and supply chain to implement robust processes, execute effective problem solving, and continuously reduce the risk of poor quality. The Manufacturing Quality Engineer will be authorized to develop and approve manufacturing CNC programs, manufacturing planning, and quality inspection plans, provided that each change is also reviewed by an additional one-over-one approver.
This position is ideal for an experienced professional who is comfortable on the shop floor, experienced with CNC environments, and motivated to lead structured improvement projects in a high-consequence aerospace setting.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

Quality assurance and control:

• Own quality assurance and quality control activities across assigned manufacturing areas, including conformance in manufacturing, in-process inspection, and final product acceptance.
• Develop and maintain quality plans, work instructions, and inspection standards for CNC machining and related processes. Update CNC programs as well as quality inspection planning with additional one-over-one approvals.
• Support and coach operators/technicians on quality requirements, inspection techniques, and control plans.

APQP and manufacturing process quality:

• Lead or support APQP activities for new product introduction and process changes, including PFMEAs, control plans, process capability studies, and validation.
• Ensure appropriate quality measurement systems are in place to monitor process performance and detect nonconformances early.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering on process capability, tooling, and fixturing improvements for CNC machining.
• Problem solving and zero-defect culture
• Utilize zero-defect tools and structured problem-solving methods (e.g., 8D, root cause analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone) to address quality escapes and systemic issues.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions, verify effectiveness, and institutionalize lessons learned into standards and procedures.

Continuous improvement and project leadership:

• Lead or support process improvement projects to reduce defects, scrap, rework, and variation, using Lean and/or Six Sigma tools.
• Analyze quality data (e.g., defects, trends, process capability, SPC) to prioritize improvement opportunities and monitor results.
• Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience, providing informal guidance and support on quality tools and methodologies.
• Cross-functional integration and communication
• Integrate work with manufacturing, engineering, operations, and supply chain teams, understanding how quality activities impact safety, delivery, and cost.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal customers, leadership, and occasionally external stakeholders on quality status, risks, and mitigation plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree accredited  college or university (or a high school diploma / GED with a minimum of 4 years of experience in Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, or Process Improvement)  +  Minimum of 3 years of Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, or Process Improvement experience

Preferred Characteristics

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing quality, manufacturing engineering, or process improvement role
• Experience programming CNC machinery or similar precision manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience with quality tools (e.g., root cause analysis, corrective actions, control plans, PFMEA, SPC, gage R&R)
• APQP experience in a production environment (e.g., PFMEA, control plans, process validation, capability analysis)
• Experience in aerospace or other highly regulated industries; familiarity with AS9100 or equivalent quality management systems
• Strong data analysis skills and use of statistical tools for process monitoring and improvement
• Established project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Desired Charact