Position Summary
Aurora Casting & Engineering is seeking a detail-oriented, technically capable Quality Engineer to support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities within our aerospace investment casting and machining operations.
The Quality Engineer will work closely with the Quality Manager, Engineering, Production, and Inspection departments to ensure product conformity, maintain compliance with customer and industry requirements, investigate quality issues, and improve manufacturing processes.
This position requires a hands-on individual who is comfortable working directly with manufacturing personnel, interpreting engineering drawings, analyzing inspection data, and managing quality documentation.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Engineering & Product Conformance
- Review engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
- Support dimensional inspection, first article inspections (FAI), and product acceptance activities.
- Prepare and review AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
- Investigate dimensional discrepancies, casting defects, and manufacturing nonconformances.
- Support root cause investigations and corrective action implementation.
- Coordinate disposition of nonconforming material with Engineering and Production.
Aerospace Quality Systems
- Support maintenance and improvement of the AS9100 quality management system.
- Assist with internal audits, customer audits, and corrective action responses.
- Maintain quality procedures, work instructions, forms, and controlled documentation.
- Monitor compliance with customer-specific quality requirements.
- Support supplier quality activities and review subcontracted processing documentation.
APQP, PPAP & Process Control
- Assist with implementation of AS9145 Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) requirements.
- Develop and maintain process flow diagrams, control plans, and process FMEAs.
- Conduct measurement system analyses (MSA) and process capability studies.
- Analyze manufacturing and inspection data to identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Support statistical process control (SPC) and ongoing process monitoring.
Nonconformance & Corrective Action
- Investigate internal and customer-reported quality issues.
- Prepare corrective action reports using structured root cause analysis techniques.
- Track corrective actions through implementation and effectiveness verification.
- Analyze recurring defects, scrap, and rework trends.
- Coordinate with Production and Engineering to implement preventive measures.
Inspection & Manufacturing Support
- Provide technical support to inspectors and manufacturing personnel.
- Assist with development of inspection plans and acceptance criteria.
- Support CMM inspection activities and interpretation of measurement results.
- Review inspection records, material certifications, and special process documentation.
- Coordinate with NDT personnel and approved outside processing suppliers.
Qualifications
Required
- Experience in manufacturing quality assurance or quality engineering.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Understanding of dimensional inspection and precision measuring equipment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard business software.
- Ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing personnel.
Preferred
- Experience in aerospace manufacturing, investment casting, or precision machining.
- Familiarity with AS9100, AS9102, and AS9145.
- Experience with corrective action systems, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
- Familiarity with CMM inspection and dimensional reporting.
- Knowledge of nondestructive testing and aerospace special processes.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
Position Expectations
The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage assigned quality engineering activities. The position requires a balance of technical analysis, documentation, problem-solving, and direct involvement in manufacturing operations.
The Quality Engineer is expected to contribute to improved product quality, reduced nonconformances, stronger process controls, and continued compliance with aerospace industry requirements.
Aurora Casting & Engineering is an aerospace and defense manufacturer located in Santa Paula, California, specializing in precision investment castings and machining. We manufacture complex, high-quality components for demanding applications where precision, reliability, and quality are essential.
Our operations encompass investment casting, CNC machining, inspection, and quality assurance, supported by an AS9100-certified quality management system. We work closely with customers to develop manufacturing solutions, improve processes, and consistently meet stringent aerospace industry requirements.
As a growing company, we offer a hands-on, collaborative work environment where employees have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, solve technical challenges, and make a meaningful impact on our operations and continued success.
