Quality Engineer

Summary The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring product quality, process integrity, and customer satisfaction within NIKEL Precision Group's high-precision CNC aerospace manufacturing environment. This role is both customer-facing and internally integrated , serving as the technical quality liaison between NIKEL and its aerospace, defense, and commercial customers. The Quality Engineer leads Quality Sciences initiatives including APQP, SPC, pFMEA, root cause analysis, and Lean process improvement to ensure repeatable, compliant, and high-performing manufacturing processes. The position requires a technically strong, data-driven professional who thrives in a regulated AS9100 environment and can operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented aerospace manufacturing organization. Key Responsibilities Strategic Quality Leadership Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for new program launches and transfers. Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and pFMEAs aligned to aerospace requirements. Drive structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, DMAIC, and A3. Ensure process robustness through statistical validation and risk mitigation. Act as a technical quality authority supporting long-term operational excellence and customer confidence. Quality Sciences and Process Control Implement and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems across critical characteristics. Analyze Cp, Cpk, and Ppk performance and drive corrective action when capability gaps exist. Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) including Gage R&R studies. Support First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 standards. Develop inspection strategies based on risk, critical features, and customer requirements. Ensure Process of Record (POR) documentation is accurate and maintained. Customer-Facing Quality Interface Serve as primary quality contact for assigned customers. Lead customer audits, quality reviews, and corrective action responses. Present quality performance data including PPM, on-time delivery, and corrective action status. Respond to customer CARs, SCARs, and supplier corrective action requests with structured root cause analysis. Support program reviews, QBRs, and new program quality readiness discussions. Build trust-based relationships while protecting NIKEL's operational and financial interests. Aerospace Compliance and AS9100 Alignment Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality management system requirements. Maintain adherence to ECN revision control, configuration management, and traceability requirements. Ensure documentation flow-down for PPAP (when required), FAI, certifications, and regulatory compliance. Support internal and external audits including customer, registrar, and regulatory audits. Participate in management review and quality system improvement initiatives. Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Lead Lean initiatives focused on waste reduction, process flow, and defect prevention. Support Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and process optimization activities. Drive preventive quality systems rather than reactive inspection-based approaches. Implement mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) strategies where applicable. Partner with Operations to improve first-pass yield and reduce rework and scrap. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering, Operations, Planning, and Supply Chain to ensure quality readiness. Support NPI (New Part Introduction) efforts from quoting through production release. Collaborate with Procurement to support supplier quality improvement. Provide leadership visibility into quality risks and mitigation strategies. Train production teams on process control and quality expectations. Continuous Improvement and Process Development Develop scalable quality processes aligned with NIKEL's growth strategy. Improve ERP and quality data integrity to ensure accurate reporting and traceability. Drive systemic corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Support development of a high-performance, prevention-based quality culture. Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing preferred. Strong working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems. Demonstrated experience with APQP, pFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC. Strong statistical and analytical capabilities. Experience leading root cause investigations and corrective action responses. Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel-based data analysis. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to engage directly with customers in a professional, confident manner. Ideal Candidate Attributes Technically strong and data-driven. Comfortable presenting to customers and executive leadership. Proactive and prevention-focused rather than inspection-dependent. Organized and disciplined in documentation and follow-through. Calm under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Collaborative team player aligned with NIKEL's performance-driven culture. What Success Looks Like Improved Cp/Cpk performance across critical characteristics. Reduction in customer escapes, PPM, and repeat corrective actions. Successful APQP execution on new program launches. Strong audit performance with minimal findings. Positive customer feedback and strengthened relationships. Measurable improvements in first-pass yield and cost of poor quality. Quality Execution and Operational Responsibilities Support production floor containment when required. Ensure inspection documentation and certifications are accurate and complete. Validate process changes and continuous improvement initiatives. Participate in GEMBA activities to identify process gaps and improvement opportunities.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health savings account Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Quality Engineering:

5 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person Quality Engineer 3.0 3.0 out of 5 stars 19 Mill Brook Road, Saco, ME 04072 Full-time Nikel Precision Group 13 reviews Full-time Summary The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring product quality, process integrity, and customer satisfaction within NIKEL Precision Group's high-precision CNC aerospace manufacturing environment. This role is both customer-facing and internally integrated , serving as the technical quality liaison between NIKEL and its aerospace, defense, and commercial customers. The Quality Engineer leads Quality Sciences initiatives including APQP, SPC, pFMEA, root cause analysis, and Lean process improvement to ensure repeatable, compliant, and high-performing manufacturing processes. The position requires a technically strong, data-driven professional who thrives in a regulated AS9100 environment and can operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented aerospace manufacturing organization. Key Responsibilities Strategic Quality Leadership Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities for new program launches and transfers. Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and pFMEAs aligned to aerospace requirements. Drive structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, DMAIC, and A3. Ensure process robustness through statistical validation and risk mitigation. Act as a technical quality authority supporting long-term operational excellence and customer confidence. Quality Sciences and Process Control Implement and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems across critical characteristics. Analyze Cp, Cpk, and Ppk performance and drive corrective action when capability gaps exist. Lead Measurement System Analysis (MSA) including Gage R&R studies. Support First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 standards. Develop inspection strategies based on risk, critical features, and customer requirements. Ensure Process of Record (POR) documentation is accurate and maintained. Customer-Facing Quality Interface Serve as primary quality contact for assigned customers. Lead customer audits, quality reviews, and corrective action responses. Present quality performance data including PPM, on-time delivery, and corrective action status. Respond to customer CARs, SCARs, and supplier corrective action requests with structured root cause analysis. Support program reviews, QBRs, and new program quality readiness discussions. Build trust-based relationships while protecting NIKEL's operational and financial interests. Aerospace Compliance and AS9100 Alignment Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality management system requirements. Maintain adherence to ECN revision control, configuration management, and traceability requirements. Ensure documentation flow-down for PPAP (when required), FAI, certifications, and regulatory compliance. Support internal and external audits including customer, registrar, and regulatory audits. Participate in management review and quality system improvement initiatives. Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement Lead Lean initiatives focused on waste reduction, process flow, and defect prevention. Support Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and process optimization activities. Drive preventive quality systems rather than reactive inspection-based approaches. Implement mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) strategies where applicable. Partner with Operations to improve first-pass yield and reduce rework and scrap. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Engineering, Operations, Planning, and Supply Chain to ensure quality readiness. Support NPI (New Part Introduction) efforts from quoting through production release. Collaborate with Procurement to support supplier quality improvement. Provide leadership visibility into quality risks and mitigation strategies. Train production teams on process control and quality expectations. Continuous Improvement and Process Development Develop scalable quality processes aligned with NIKEL's growth strategy. Improve ERP and quality data integrity to ensure accurate reporting and traceability. Drive systemic corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Support development of a high-performance, prevention-based quality culture. Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing preferred. Strong working knowledge of AS9100 quality systems. Demonstrated experience with APQP, pFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC. Strong statistical and analytical capabilities. Experience leading root cause investigations and corrective action responses. Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel-based data analysis. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to engage directly with customers in a professional, confident manner. Ideal Candidate Attributes Technically strong and data-driven. Comfortable presenting to customers and executive leadership. Proactive and prevention-focused rather than inspection-dependent. Organized and disciplined in documentation and follow-through. Calm under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Collaborative team player aligned with NIKEL's performance-driven culture. What Success Looks Like Improved Cp/Cpk performance across critical characteristics. Reduction in customer escapes, PPM, and repeat corrective actions. Successful APQP execution on new program launches. Strong audit performance with minimal findings. Positive customer feedback and strengthened relationships. Measurable improvements in first-pass yield and cost of poor quality. Quality Execution and Operational Responsibilities Support production floor containment when required. Ensure inspection documentation and certifications are accurate and complete. Validate process changes and continuous improvement initiatives. Participate in GEMBA activities to identify process gaps and improvement opportunities.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health savings account Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Quality Engineering:

5 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person