Join the Vector Team - Manufacturing Quality Engineer

At Vector Defense, we are always looking for passionate, talented individuals who align with our mission and values. If you're interested in working with a fast-paced, mission-driven company but don't see a current job opening that matches your skills, we encourage you to apply here!

We operate by three values:

• Be Relentless: We pursue our objectives with unwavering determination and tenacity. We strive to do more and get better. If someone closes a door in our face, we breach through the wall.
• Be Ethical: We work in a complex industry-never give anyone an opportunity to question our integrity. While we compete fiercely, we never break the law, violate regulations, or compromise our ethical standards.
• Be Professional: We conduct ourselves with the highest standards of competence, responsibility, and respect in all interactions and tasks. Our customers look to us for the best training and equipment. We are the example for them.

If you are committed to working with a company that operates at the highest standards of integrity and excellence, we invite you to apply. Join us in advancing defense technology and contributing to a mission that matters.

The Role

Vector Defense is seeking a Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives across our Quality Management System (QMS), production operations, and supplier network. This individual will play a critical role in building and maintaining a scalable quality system that supports rapid manufacturing growth while ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing quality processes, solving production quality issues on the factory floor, and driving supplier quality improvements. This role will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Operations to ensure quality is designed into every stage of the product lifecycle.

For the right candidate with significant experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments, this position may be filled at the Staff Quality Engineer level.

Key Responsibilities: Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Quality Management System.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts supporting ISO 9001 and future AS9100 certification initiatives.
• Create and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, forms, and records.
• Manage internal audits, CAPA activities, and quality metrics.
• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and contractual quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities: Production Quality

• Lead investigations into manufacturing quality issues, non-conformances, and field returns.
• Facilitate RCCA activities using 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D, PFMEA, and related methodologies.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to improve process capability and product quality.
• Establish inspection criteria, acceptance standards, and process controls.
• Support FAI, validation activities, and production readiness reviews.

Key Responsibilities: Supplier Quality

• Serve as the primary quality interface for suppliers and contract manufacturers.
• Develop supplier quality requirements and incoming inspection strategies.
• Investigate supplier-related non-conformances and drive corrective actions.
• Conduct supplier audits and supplier performance reviews.
• Establish supplier quality metrics and improvement plans.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Train employees in quality requirements and procedures.
• Support development of a quality-focused culture.
• Participate in NPI, design reviews, and manufacturing readiness reviews.
• Assist in developing and mentoring future quality personnel.
• May supervise Quality Technicians, Inspectors, or other Quality personnel as the organization grows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing quality role.
• Experience developing, implementing, or maintaining a QMS.
• Strong background in Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action processes.
• Experience working directly with suppliers on quality-related issues.
• Working knowledge of SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, and process capability analysis.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing, medical devices, or other regulated industries.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems.
• Experience leading or supporting AS9100 implementation and certification efforts.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is preferred.

What Vector Offers

• A mission worth showing up for
• 100% Employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for you and your family
• 401(k)
• Paid Parental Leave
• 13 Company Paid Holidays

This role will require the completion of a criminal background check.

Vector is a drug-free workplace.