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Staff Quality Engineer

Manchester, CT

Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can’t keep up. At Neon Aero, we’re breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production.

Here, you won’t just take a job — you’ll help reinvent how the world flies. If you’re ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Build quality into the product, not just the paperwork.

We’re looking for a Staff Quality Engineer—a senior, hands-on technical leader who can shape quality strategy across complex aerospace programs. This isn’t a routine inspection role. You’ll set the direction for robust quality systems, lead advanced risk mitigation (APQP/PPAP), influence design for manufacturability and inspection, and partner closely with engineering, operations, suppliers, and regulatory/customer stakeholders to deliver predictable, certifiable outcomes.

If you’re energized by solving hard problems, improving systems end-to-end, and raising the bar for how quality is built into flight hardware—this role is for you.

Why This Role Matters:

Own strategic quality planning

  • Develop and execute Quality Management Plans for new aerospace programs
  • Ensure alignment with AS9100 and customer-specific requirements from day one

Lead advanced risk mitigation (APQP/PPAP)

  • Drive APQP and PPAP activities across programs and suppliers
  • Create and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and Control Plans

Influence design for manufacturability and inspection

  • Partner with Design Engineering to define Critical-to-Quality features
  • Support datum schemes and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) application to ensure inspectability and production success

Solve systemic quality issues—permanently

  • Lead cross-functional investigations into major nonconformances using 8D, Fishbone, and 5-Why
  • Implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence and improve system reliability

Bring statistical rigor to process stability

  • Champion SPC and DOE to stabilize processes and reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ)
  • Leverage statistical tools to drive measurable improvements—not just dashboards

Own audit readiness and compliance

  • Serve as a lead auditor for internal and supplier audits
  • Ensure readiness for FAA and customer surveillance, including documentation and execution discipline

Mentor and elevate the team

  • Coach junior Quality Engineers and production staff on advanced quality tools and aerospace standards
  • Help build a culture of quality leadership, not just compliance

What you’ll Bring:

  • Minimum of 8 years of progressive Quality Engineering experience in aerospace or defense.
  • B.S. degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering preferred; relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree
  • Expert knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and AS9145 (APQP/PPAP)
  • Advanced proficiency in GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
  • Strong experience with statistical software (e.g., Minitab, JMP)
  • Must be a ‘US Person’ as defined by ITAR
  • Must meet aerospace visual acuity requirements

Why Join Us:

  • Work alongside elite engineering talent and innovators from across aerospace and tech.
  • Be part of a team moving faster than the industry standard.
  • Shape solutions that are lower-cost, autonomous, and scalable — the future of aviation.
  • Competitive compensation, including equity participation, growth opportunities, and full heath benefits (health, vision, dental, 401K) designed to support you in and out of work.

This pay range is specific to the location where the role is posted. Final pay will depend on experience, skill level, and other job-related factors.

Location-Specific Pay Range

$110,000 - $123,750 USD

Neon Aero, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

All final candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening as a condition of employment.

At this time, Neon Aero and its divisions are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies.

 

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