Job Title: Entry Level Quality Engineer (Must have internship experience)
Job Description
The Quality Engineer will lead quality activities across a connector product line, focusing on analyzing customer returns, driving corrective and preventive actions, and improving manufacturing processes. This role also supervises the final inspection team, represents Quality Assurance in material review decisions, and ensures compliance with aerospace quality standards such as AS9102 and First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements.
Responsibilities
Perform detailed analysis of customer returned parts and use findings to drive effective Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) improvements.
Conduct thorough root cause analysis to identify and address internal recurring failures and reduce product and process risks.
Validate customer Return Material Authorizations (RMAs) and define follow-up actions to improve manufacturing processes and product quality.
Supervise a team of approximately six employees in the final inspection department, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching, and training as needed.
Oversee final inspection activities to ensure products meet internal quality standards and customer requirements before shipment.
Represent Quality Assurance on the Material Review Board (MRB) for internal rejections, participating in disposition decisions and corrective action planning.
Support and execute First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in line with AS9102 requirements for aerospace products.
Contribute to internal and external audits by providing quality documentation, records, and objective evidence of compliance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and engineering, to implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintain accurate quality records and reports related to CAPA, MRB decisions, FAI documentation, and customer returns.
Essential Skills
Proven experience working as a Quality Engineer in a manufacturing environment, preferably with connector products or similar components.
Strong knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and the ability to translate findings into effective corrective and preventive actions.
Hands-on experience with Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes and documentation.
Practical experience with aerospace quality standards, including AS9102 and First Article Inspection (FAI).
Familiarity with Material Review Board (MRB) processes, including participation in disposition of nonconforming material.
Experience supervising or leading a team in a quality or inspection environment, including coaching and training team members.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and inspection criteria relevant to connector or aerospace components.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured approach to investigating quality issues.
Effective verbal and written communication skills to present findings, document actions, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working within the aerospace industry or with aerospace customers.
Background in conducting or supporting quality audits.
Familiarity with first article processes and documentation beyond AS9102, such as internal FAI procedures.
Experience in a connector manufacturing line or similar high-reliability, precision component environment.
Ability to mentor and develop inspection staff to enhance quality awareness and performance.
Continuous improvement mindset with exposure to structured improvement tools or methodologies.
Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing and inspection environment focused on connector products for demanding applications, including aerospace. The Quality Engineer will spend time both on the production floor and in an office or lab setting to review data, analyze returned parts, and prepare documentation. Work involves close collaboration with final inspection, manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams, as well as participation in Material Review Board (MRB) meetings and audit activities. Standard working hours typically follow a full-time schedule aligned with production operations, with occasional flexibility required to support urgent quality issues or customer needs. Appropriate attire consistent with a professional manufacturing and inspection environment is expected, and the role may require the use of standard inspection tools and equipment when reviewing parts and supporting First Article Inspection (FAI) and AS9102-related activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendale, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $36.06/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 fully onsite position in Glendale,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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.
