Quality Engineer (Early Careers)
Date: Jan 13, 2026
Location: Tallassee, AL, US
Company: GKN Aerospace Careers
Job Summary
The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving quality systems and processes within an aerospace manufacturing environment. This role ensures compliance with regulatory and customer requirements, supports internal and external audits, and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. A strong understanding of APQP, process validation, and aerospace compliance standards is essential to success in this role.
Job Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with customer, FAA, and third-party standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP).
- Maintain and enhance the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Conduct internal audits and support external audits.
- Manage records retention in accordance with regulatory and company policies.
- Perform supplier audits and collaborate to resolve quality and delivery issues.
- Apply root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (RCA/CAPA).
- Develop and maintain Program Quality Plans aligned with project requirements.
- Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, and production teams to support quality initiatives.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) through quality planning and risk mitigation.
- Contribute to Lean and Six Sigma-based continuous improvement efforts.
- Lead the application of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) principles to ensure quality is embedded throughout the product lifecycle—from early planning and risk assessment to process validation and launch readiness.
- Ensure manufacturing processes meet AS9145, AS9100, and NADCAP standards, with a focus on long-term compliance and capability.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or related fields.
- 3+ months of professional experience in aerospace parts manufacturing engineering
- Proficiency in root cause analysis and CAPA methodologies.
- Experience with inspection tools and interpreting technical drawings.
- Must be a US Persons (US Citizen, Green Card Holder / US permanent resident, refugee or asylee) to meet export control compliance requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- GKN Aerospace experience
- Experience in aerostructures manufacturing (metallics and/or composites).
- Working knowledge of Lean tools (e.g., A3, PFMEA, Fishbone diagrams).
- Familiarity with AS9145 or equivalent APQP processes.
- Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or equivalent certification.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.