• Quality Engineer III

    Howmet Aerospace (Fullerton, CA)


    Summary

    The Quality Engineer III reports directly to the Plant Quality Manager and plays a hands-on role in driving product quality within aerospace manufacturing. This position focuses on partnering with factory teams to solve problems, lead corrective actions, and ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and FAA requirements. The engineer also serves as a key contact for customers and suppliers in resolving quality concerns.

     

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities

     

    + Lead Material Review Board (MRB) activities, root cause investigations, and corrective/preventive actions to resolve nonconforming material.

    + Partner with factory teams to identify issues, implement solutions, and monitor quality trends.

    + Review contracts, purchase orders, and customer specifications to ensure quality requirements are integrated into manufacturing processes.

    + Own the review and maintenance of customer quality documents and specifications, ensuring alignment with corporate and regulatory standards.

    + Champion the creation and implementation of quality-related policies and procedures in accordance with AS9100, NADCAP, and FAA requirements.

    + Act as liaison with customers and suppliers to resolve complaints, coordinate audits, and drive corrective actions.

    + Respond promptly to customer corrective action requests by leading investigations and implementing preventive measures.

    + Drive supplier quality initiatives, including audits, corrective actions, and supplier development programs.

    + Audit and validate Statistical Process Control (SPC) data and procedures to ensure process capability.

    + Conduct internal audits and support external audits for AS9100, NADCAP, and FAA certifications.

    + Mentor junior engineers and inspectors in practical problem-solving and quality tools.

    + Provide training on quality topics and methods to cross-functional teams.

    + Occasional weekend plant coverage may be required.

    Basic Qualifications

    + Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field from an accredited institution.

    + Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in Quality Engineering within aerospace or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.

    + Demonstrated expertise in AS9100, NADCAP, FAA, and/or other highly regulated environments.

    + Strong background in root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, and factory problem-solving.

    + Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

    Preferred Qualifications

    + Degree in Mechanical, Metallurgical, or Materials Engineering.

    + 8+ years of experience in aerospace manufacturing, preferably in fasteners or precision components.

    + ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.

    + Proven experience leading cross-functional teams in factory environments.

    + Advanced proficiency in quality tools such as APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, and SPC.

     

    Work Environment & Impact

     

    This role is highly collaborative with production and engineering teams, focusing on solving day-to-day quality challenges on the shop floor. The Quality Engineer III ensures that corrective actions are practical, effective, and sustainable, directly improving product quality and customer satisfaction.

    Benefits/Salary:

    The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, and community engagement activities contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000.