Staff Quality Engineer - AS9100 Certification Lead

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Staff Quality Engineer to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our Quality Management System (QMS) in preparation for AS9100 certification. This role will serve as a key partner across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Leadership to establish robust quality processes, ensure regulatory and customer compliance, and build a culture of operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has successfully led or played a significant role in achieving AS9100 certification and possesses strong expertise in quality systems, risk management, auditing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organization's readiness efforts for AS9100 certification, including project planning, gap assessments, implementation, and certification support.
• Develop, implement, and maintain an AS9100-compliant Quality Management System (QMS).
• Conduct comprehensive gap analyses against AS9100 requirements and develop corrective action plans.
• Plan, conduct, and manage internal audits to verify compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Engineering to integrate quality planning into product development, design reviews, design changes, and configuration management.
• Partner with Supplier Quality Engineering function to support supplier quality activities including supplier qualification, audits, corrective actions, and performance monitoring.
• Develop risk management processes consistent with AS9100 requirements, including risk identification, mitigation, and monitoring.
• Lead investigations into quality issues, customer complaints, escapes, and nonconforming materials.
• Train employees on quality system requirements, quality tools, auditing practices, and AS9100 expectations.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and operations to improve process capability, reduce defects, and increase operational efficiency.
• Represent quality function in customer requirements capture, contract review, opportunity review, new production development, and new product introduction activities related to aerospace and defense opportunities and projects.
• Lead engagement activities with customers and suppliers.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship/No Dual Citizenship
• Bachelor's Degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 6 years of experience and a Master’s degree, or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience in Quality Engineering or Quality Systems within aerospace, defense, aviation, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
• Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to an AS9100 certification or recertification effort.
• Thorough knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001:2015, and aerospace quality system requirements.
• Experience planning and conducting internal quality audits.
• Experience leading or facilitating eight disciplines (8D) problem solving or similar corrective methodologies to determine root cause and implement permanent corrective action.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership and external auditors.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.

Desired Qualifications

• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification.
• Experience working with aerospace OEMs or Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers.
• Experience supporting FAA, DoD, NASA, or other aerospace regulatory environments.
• Familiarity with NADCAP requirements and special process oversight.
• Experience with ERP, PLM, and electronic document management systems.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9145
• Proficiency using Oracle Fusion ERP, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and other electronic business systems.

Benefits: The Watlow Total Compensation Plan

The health, well-being and financial stability of you and your family is a high priority to us.The Watlow Total Rewards Plan includes competitive compensation and a full range of life and career enhancing benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program 
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match on your contribution and an annual company contribution that is tied to company performance
• Wellness incentives
• Employee Personal Assistance Program
• Dental, medical, vision and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays, personal time, and vacation
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement

Diversity & Inclusion

We proactively embrace diversity in all its dimensions across our company and cultivate a culture of inclusion and forward thinking that respects and reflects each team member’s individual strengths, views, and experiences. Watlow takes pride in being an inclusive equal opportunity employer and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Please let us know confidentially if you need or require any special accommodations to participate in our recruiting process by emailing us at accommodations@Watlow.com.