Position Title: Program Quality Engineer / Quality Assurance Specialist

Location: On-site, Full-Time | 9/80 Work Schedule

Security Clearance: Active DoD Secret minimum; U.S. Citizenship Required

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Position Summary

Long Wave Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Program Quality Engineer / Quality Assurance Specialist to join our team. This dynamic, full-time on-site role combines both Program Quality Engineering and hands-on Quality Assurance responsibilities, supporting the full product lifecycle in a regulated aerospace/defense environment. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with AS9100D, customer contracts, and regulatory requirements across internal operations and the external supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Program Quality Engineering (PQE)

Interpret and decompose contract and engineering requirements to define quality deliverables.
Participate in drawing reviews, proposal/design evaluations, and risk assessments to ensure alignment with customer and regulatory standards.
Ensure program compliance to AS9100D and support audits, configuration management, and key program milestones.

Hardware Quality Assurance (HQA)

Perform and document in-process, final, and acceptance test inspections.
Execute validation/verification (Val/Ver), Functional Configuration Audits (FCA), and Physical Configuration Audits (PCA).
Ensure traceability and serialization throughout the product lifecycle.

Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA)

Oversee supplier performance, conduct audits, and lead First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102.
Coordinate source inspections, including with DCMA, to ensure supplier compliance with quality standards.
Review and approve supplier documentation such as CoCs, FAIRs, and PVAPs.

Compliance, Documentation & MRB

Represent Quality on the Material Review Board (MRB); evaluate and disposition nonconforming material.
Maintain, review, and approve internal and supplier documentation to meet contractual and regulatory requirements.
Support shipping/receiving inspections, manage GFE/GFM traceability, and ensure lab and WIP control.

Quality Systems & Audits

Conduct internal audits and support external/regulatory audits.
Maintain quality management system (QMS) documentation and ensure records meet audit and contract traceability requirements.
Provide QA surveillance across products, processes, and program phases.

Basic Qualifications (Level 4 – Required)

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
6–10 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Engineering, or similar roles within aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.
Proficient with AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 standards.
Demonstrated experience with in-process/final/receiving inspections, MRB participation, and quality documentation (e.g., CoCs, FAIRs, PVAPs).
Familiarity with DCMA processes, including inspection coordination and DD250 documentation.
Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specs, and contracts.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications (Level 5 – Differentiators)

10+ years of progressively responsible experience in aerospace or defense quality roles.
Lead role in DCMA source inspections and understanding of DCMA 8210.1 and government inspection processes.
Experience managing GFE/GFM and related accountability processes.
AS9100 or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification and experience conducting or leading audits.
Extensive supplier quality engagement, including FAI oversight and issue resolution.
MRB disposition authority and cross-disciplinary coordination experience.
Strong involvement in proposal/design reviews, configuration audits, and program milestone support.

Education & Experience

Required (Level 4 – Senior):

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Aerospace, Quality, Industrial)
6–10 years of directly relevant experience
Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree (e.g., 10+ years with technical certifications)

Preferred (Level 5 – Lead):

Master’s degree in a technical discipline or ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, CQM/OE)
10–15+ years of experience, including QA leadership in complex aerospace/defense programs

Additional Information

Travel: Yes – in support of supplier and field activities
Shift: Full-time, 1st shift, with 9/80 schedule available
Clearance: Must have or be eligible for a U.S. DoD Secret Clearance
Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship required

Compensation Range

Level 4 (Senior): $88,000 – $130,000
Level 5 (Lead): $98,000 – $150,000
Final offer dependent on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.