LEAD QUALITY ENGINEER - SR. QUALITY ENGINEER - Quality Assurance Engineer
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
The Structural Engineering Department conducts technical projects related to the design, development, fabrication, testing, inspection and evaluation of aircraft, marine and land-based structural and mechanical systems for industry and government.
Objectives of this Role:
- Provide technical guidance for quality management system and quality assurance/engineering program implementation on government and commercial projects conducted under recognized quality standards for hardware, software, and manufacturing.
- Help formulate & implement quality assurance engineering & quality control procedures.
- Perform quality management system internal gap assessments and surveillances to determine and evaluate the level of compliance on projects.
- Provide support during external/customer audits of the quality system.
- Act as an integral project team member, support product development (design, fabrication, testing and inspection) and project quality management activities from the proposal stage through product delivery and warranty service activities.
- Interface with project engineers and department/division management, as well as customer, supplier, and contract representatives as necessary on quality and compliance related topics.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Review solicitations and support proposals & cost estimates for satisfying quality requirements.
- Perform contract reviews for quality.
- Prepare, assist in the implementation of, and verify compliance to project quality plans to ensure contractual quality requirements are met.
- Conduct training on quality management system processes, procedures and tools.
- Prepare and measure quality system effectiveness through KPI metrics & quality reviews.
- Participate in the review and disposition of nonconforming material/services.
- Perform investigation and analysis to determine root cause, corrective action, preventative action, and effectiveness.
- Support the design, implementation, and evaluation of quality assurance system processes and procedures.
- Communicate and coordinate daily with project personnel and other QA staff, engineers, fabricators, and management.
- Lead continual improvement efforts & recommend revisions of quality documentation.
Requirements:
- Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture/Marine Engineering, Aeronautics/Aerospace Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, or closely related engineering discipline with related experience.
- Certified Quality Engineer/Manager (ASQ certification) or similar is preferred.
- 6+ years: Previous experience in a production, manufacturing, fabrication, or research environment is required. Experience in implementing and maintaining a Quality Management System in engineering environment is required.
- 2 years: Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 17025 is required. Familiarity with ASME and/or NAVSEA, AS9100, P-9290, NOTE 5000, NQA-1, ABS and/or SUBSAFE is a plus. Internal or external auditing experience is a plus.
- 2 years: Experience working as a contributor to an engineering project team is required. Familiarity with drawing review is preferred. Familiarity with design for inspect ability is a plus.
- Must have excellent communication skills to work with project staff, management, and representatives of the client, suppliers, or regulatory agencies.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO