ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Votaw Precision Technologies is a trusted leader in the manufacturing of complex precision components, assemblies, and systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. With a strong reputation for technical excellence, quality craftsmanship, and on-time delivery, Votaw supports some of the world’s most demanding programs through its advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company specializes in precision machining, fabrication, welding, and complex assembly operations for mission-critical applications. Votaw has long been a trusted partner in building mission-critical hardware for some of the most advanced aerospace and defense programs in the world. Our precision components support the International Space Station, nearly every major launch vehicle in operation, high-performance spacecraft (including classified missions), as well as next-generation fighter aircraft, bombers, submarines, radar systems, and ground vehicles.
ABOUT THE JOB
The Senior Quality Engineer is a highly visible technical leadership role responsible for transforming quality from an inspection-focused function into a proactive driver of operational excellence. Partnering closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Customers, this position is responsible for improving quality at the source by reducing defects, eliminating root causes, improving first-pass yield, increasing throughput, and reducing the Cost of Poor Quality. This role serves as a builder and change agent, establishing scalable quality processes, strengthening cross-functional accountability, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that directly improve manufacturing performance, customer satisfaction, profitability, and EBITDA.
Primary Job Duties:
Manufacturing Quality
- Lead root cause investigations utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies including 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and other Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) tools.
- Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) through implementation, verification, and sustainable closure.
- Analyze recurring defects and implement permanent process improvements that reduce variation and improve product quality.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to improve process capability, reduce waste, optimize manufacturing methods, and improve throughput.
- Support shop floor problem solving by working directly with operators, supervisors, engineers, and production leadership.
- Develop and implement quality controls that prevent defects rather than relying solely on inspection activities.
Program Quality & Manufacturing Readiness
- Participate in Engineering Review Board (ERB), production readiness reviews, and manufacturing planning activities.
- Review customer quality requirements, specifications, and special contractual clauses to ensure manufacturing plans fully incorporate applicable quality requirements.
- Support First Article Inspection (FAI) planning, execution, and documentation in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
- Assess manufacturing process risks and ensure quality requirements are embedded into production planning before manufacturing begins.
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and 3D CAD models to validate manufacturability and quality compliance.
Non-Conformance & Corrective Action
- Lead investigation, disposition, and closure of internal non-conformances.
- Analyze NCR trends to identify systemic quality issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Drive measurable reductions in defects, scrap, rework, customer escapes, and Cost of Poor Quality.
- Facilitate cross-functional problem-solving activities involving Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
- Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of non-conforming material.
Customer Quality
- Serve as the technical quality interface with customers including Blue Origin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Moog, and other strategic aerospace and defense customers.
- Support customer audits, source inspections, and quality system assessments.
- Lead responses to customer corrective action requests, quality escapes, and technical quality concerns.
- Prepare, review, and improve quality documentation packages supporting customer requirements.
- Represent Votaw during customer quality reviews and technical discussions.
Supplier Quality
- Partner with Supply Chain to resolve supplier quality issues and improve supplier performance.
- Lead supplier corrective actions and containment activities.
- Support qualification, monitoring, and performance management of suppliers and special process providers.
- Improve incoming quality through supplier performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Develop and maintain quality performance metrics that drive business decision-making and operational improvements.
- Lead quality improvement projects that directly improve throughput, margin expansion, EBITDA, and customer satisfaction.
- Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify trends, reduce variation, and improve process capability.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives across the organization.
- Mentor and influence cross-functional teams to establish a culture of quality ownership and continuous improvement.
Position Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Quality Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 10+ years of progressive quality engineering experience within an aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems and aerospace customer quality requirements.
- Demonstrated experience leading Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations utilizing 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, or similar structured methodologies.
- Experience supporting precision machining, fabrication, welding, and complex aerospace hardware manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), blueprint interpretation, and engineering specifications.
- Experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102), manufacturing quality planning, inspection methodologies, and statistical process control.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and technical problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP/MRP systems, and quality management software.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Pay: $160,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Aerospace manufacturing: 10 years (Required)
- Quality Engineering: 10 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 (Required)
Work Location: In person
