Lead Quality Engineer - Cypress, CA

Lead Quality Engineer
Location: Cypress, CA
Industry: Aerospace Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full-Time (M-F)

Salary: $70,000 to $85,000 (DOE)

We seeking a hands-on Lead Quality Engineer to oversee quality engineering activities within a fast-paced aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This individual will lead daily quality operations, support continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure compliance with AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in aerospace or electronics manufacturing, proven leadership experience, and the ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to drive quality excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and support Quality Engineers and Inspection teams (10 employees) in daily production and quality activities

• Perform and oversee incoming, in-process, and final inspections to ensure compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements

• Review inspection reports, nonconformance reports, and quality documentation for accuracy and completeness

• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO standards, customer specifications, and internal quality procedures

• Support MRB activities and disposition of nonconforming materials

• Oversee First Article Inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 requirements

• Utilize measuring and inspection equipment including calipers, micrometers, comparators, and other precision tools

• Partner closely with Manufacturing and Engineering to improve processes, reduce defects, and support on-time delivery objectives

• Participate in customer audits, internal audits, and supplier quality initiatives

• Develop, maintain, and improve quality documentation including procedures, inspection plans, and work instructions

• Mentor and develop quality personnel while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

• Ensure calibration systems, inspection equipment, and testing processes remain compliant and effective

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience within aerospace, defense, electronics, or highly regulated manufacturing environments

• Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and quality management systems

• Experience supporting electronics or precision manufacturing environments strongly preferred

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and GD&T

• Experience with AS9102 First Article Inspection processes

• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to interface directly with customers and internal stakeholders

• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or CQE certifications are a plus

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace and defense industry experience

• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred

• IPC standards familiarity

• Proficient in root cause analysis, CAPA, SPC, and continuous improvement methodologies

• Experience supporting customer audits and regulatory compliance initiatives

• Background working within ITAR-regulated environments

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