Program Quality Engineer

The Leidos Defense Sector is seeking an experienced Program Quality Engineer to support its Manufacturing portfolio in Huntsville, AL. In this role, you will serve as a quality engineering lead for assigned programs, ensuring products meet contractual, customer, and AS9100 requirements while driving continuous improvement across manufacturing and the supply base.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Quality Engineering & Requirements Flowdown
• Serve as the primary quality engineering interface for assigned programs.
• Develop program quality plans, inspection plans, and supporting process documentation.
• Flow down contractual quality requirements to manufacturing and suppliers.
• Provide quality input to aviation manuals, forms, and technical records.
• Communicate quality performance, trends, and issues to program and Quality leadership.

• Product Conformance, Inspection & Material Review
• Perform and disposition AS9102 First Article Inspections and supplier part approvals.
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities and nonconformance disposition.
• Provide technical guidance to inspectors and quality technicians.
• Support internal, external, and customer audits, including AS9100 surveillance audits.

• Quality Data, Metrics & Statistical Analysis
• Develop and maintain process capability studies, control charts, and measurement system analyses (MSA).
• Build and analyze statistical data sets to identify trends affecting product quality.
• Deliver metrics and actionable quality insights to program and operations leadership.

• Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement
• Lead structured problem-solving using 8D, 5-Why, and other proven methodologies.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verify their effectiveness.
• Lead and support Kaizen, Lean, and Six Sigma initiatives to improve product and process quality.

• Customer, Supplier & Government Engagement
• Partner directly with customers to resolve quality issues and identify improvement opportunities.
• Serve as a quality interface with DCMA and other government quality organizations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure requirements are met and corrective actions are effectively implemented.
• Travel occasionally to Leidos and supplier facilities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field with 8+ years of experience.
• Experience in manufacturing or product-based quality engineering, including working knowledge of:
• AS9100 / ISO 9001 standards
• AS9102 First Article Inspection
• Engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T
• Government and customer quality assurance requirements
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to produce clear, accurate technical documentation.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to brief stakeholders and customers.
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as program needs require.

Clearance Requirement

• US Citizen; Currently possessing an Active DoD Secret security clearance or ability to obtain/maintain upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree with 6+ years of related experience.
• Quality engineering experience in AS9100/ISO 9001 defense, aerospace, or automotive manufacturing environments.
• Experience with aerospace systems, aircraft development, or missile programs.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS requirements or DoD program execution.
• Experience compiling End Item Data Packages (EIDPs).
• Experience with FMEA/PFMEA and other risk-based quality tools.
• Experience with manufacturing or inspection automation.
• Certifications such as ASQ CQE, Six Sigma Green or Black Belt, or AS9100 Lead Auditor.