Job Title:
Senior Quality Engineer Job Description The Senior Quality Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and safety of complex electromechanical and embedded products across the entire product lifecycle, from concept through production and sustaining support. This position requires strong analytical skills, deep technical knowledge of electronics and mechanical systems, disciplined problem solving, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority. The Senior Quality Engineer drives robust quality planning, rigorous verification and validation, effective risk mitigation, and continual improvement initiatives to ensure products meet customer expectations, comply with regulatory and industry standards, and deliver world-class performance in the field. Responsibilities Lead the development, review, and execution of comprehensive product lifecycle quality plans from concept through launch. Own and drive Design for Quality (DfQ) activities, including DFMEA and design control deliverables, ensuring full traceability from requirements to verification and validation. Champion risk management throughout the product lifecycle by owning control plans and maintaining risk documentation. Define clear acceptance criteria, test strategies, measurement system analyses (MSA/GR&R), and Critical-to-Quality (CtQ) parameters. Partner closely with Design Engineering, Product Management, and Operations to refine design specifications and ensure manufacturability, reliability, and effective risk mitigation. Plan and execute Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) or equivalent processes, including PFMEA, control plans, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), process capability analysis, rolled throughput yield (RTY), and production readiness assessments for new product introduction (NPI). Validate production test systems, calibration methods, and in-process inspection strategies to ensure consistent and reliable testing. Ensure a smooth transition from development to production through cross-functional reviews and readiness assessments, and own launch quality metrics such as DPPM, escapes, and early life warranty failures. Monitor product health in the field and in production, including returns, complaints, yields, warranty performance, and reliability data, and lead problem solving to drive continual improvement. Identify, measure, monitor, and reduce product rework and scrap that contribute to the Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ). Lead root-cause investigations using structured methodologies such as 8D, 5-Whys, Ishikawa diagrams, and statistical tools, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions. Lead stop-ship decisions, containment actions, investigations, and related quality communications when significant issues arise. Optimize in-process and end-of-line inspection and testing strategies to reduce variation and improve overall product quality. Support engineering change order (ECO) evaluations and process or component changes to ensure continued product quality and compliance. Collaborate with Service and Customer Support teams to address customer issues, define containment actions, implement corrective actions, and provide clear communication on quality topics. Lead cross-functional quality reviews and drive consensus on quality-critical decisions using data-driven insights. Communicate quality risks, issues, and performance trends to leadership with clarity, using robust data and analysis. Serve as lead auditor for
ISO 9001
2015, including planning, executing, and reporting internal audits, and support external audits as needed. Ensure quality procedures, work instructions, and records comply with Quality Management System (QMS) requirements. Support supplier and customer audits, including verification of the effectiveness of corrective action closures. Promote a culture of quality, data integrity, and continual improvement across the organization, leveraging structured quality tools and methodologies. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 8-10+ years of Quality Engineering experience across hardware, electromechanical, or embedded systems. Strong knowledge of verification and validation (V&V) methodologies, statistical tools, and core quality engineering principles. Hands-on experience with DFMEA and PFMEA, including development, maintenance, and facilitation with cross-functional teams. Experience with Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GR&R). Proven experience creating and managing control plans for products and processes. Demonstrated proficiency in structured problem solving, including methods such as 8D, 5-Whys, and Ishikawa diagrams. Hands-on experience with failure analysis and reliability concepts in a hardware or electronics environment. Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Minitab, Power BI, or similar statistical and visualization software. Experience applying Lean, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies, with Green Belt or higher preferred. ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent professional certification. Knowledge of ISO 9001 and related quality management standards, as well as ISO/IEC or similar standards applicable to hardware and embedded systems. Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority and drive quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex quality data and risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. High sense of ownership, urgency, and a continuous improvement mindset. Additional Skills & Qualifications Internal auditor or lead auditor certification for
ISO 9001
2015 is preferred. Experience with PCBA processes and electronics manufacturing, including test system development and optimization. Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), or digital quality systems. Familiarity with Reliability Engineering concepts and methods, including techniques such as Weibull analysis. Experience validating production test systems, calibration methods, and in-process inspection strategies. Background in rolled throughput yield (RTY) analysis and process capability assessments. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional environments involving engineering, operations, supply chain, and customer-facing teams. Track record of promoting a culture of quality, data integrity, and continuous improvement. Work Environment The Senior Quality Engineer works in a collaborative, cross-functional environment that spans design engineering, manufacturing, operations, service, and customer support. The role focuses on hardware, electromechanical, and embedded system products, with significant interaction with electronics manufacturing and PCBA processes, production test systems, and digital quality tools such as PLM, ERP, MES, and statistical analysis software like Minitab and Power BI. The position typically operates in a combination of office, lab, and manufacturing floor settings, requiring regular engagement with production lines, test equipment, and inspection stations. The work environment emphasizes data-driven decision making, structured problem solving, and adherence to
ISO 9001
2015 and related quality management standards. The culture values continuous improvement, Lean and Six Sigma practices, strong ownership, and a sense of urgency in addressing quality issues and supporting new product introductions. We reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- 401(k)/Roth
- Insurance (Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health & Dependent Care Spending Accounts (HSA & DCFSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program .
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Everett, WA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Everett,WA.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.