- Robot type
- Marine and Space
- Location
- AlamedaCaliforniaUSA
- Job type
- Manufacturing
- Posted
- Aug 10, 2026
- Salary
- $125,800–$148,000 a year
Senior Quality Engineer
Job description
The Quality Operations team is responsible for driving quality strategies across the entire product lifecycle—from the deep-tier supply base to vehicle deployment in the ocean. We are focused on implementing rigorous root cause problem solving, scaling our Quality Management System, and ensuring maximum fleet survival in unforgiving environments to deliver reliable autonomous maritime intelligence to our customers.
Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national…
Job responsibilities
- Lead cross-functional teams in root-cause investigations, data analysis, and containment activities to disposition non-conforming materials (MRB) and execute permanent Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
- Own and maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, inspection methods, visual standards, and Quality Alerts to mitigate risks and ensure manufacturing consistency.
- Work closely with Supply Chain to manage vendor qualifications, execute First Article Inspections (FAI), and drive Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs).
- Carry out day-to-day operations using technical and quality systems (including Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Weibull++, and Tulip) to maintain hardware traceability and track quality metrics.
- Monitor field performance data to bridge the gap between offshore hardware behavior and design engineering, driving iterative product and reliability improvements.
- Adhere to and scale our Quality Management System (QMS) toward ISO 9001 and AS9100 standards through SOP creation, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and internal audits.
- Utilize Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (SPC, DOE) alongside advanced data analytics tools to evaluate manufacturing metrics, mitigate process variability, and author executive-level presentations that communicate…
- Perform all responsibilities in accordance with company safety standards, maritime protocols, and quality guidelines.
Job requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
- 5 to 8+ years of hands-on quality engineering experience in a high-stakes, hardware-centric environment (e.g., Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, or Maritime/Robotics).
- Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting complex GD&T, reading technical drawings, and using CAD models to verify design intent.
- Proven experience utilizing quality toolkits, including PFMEA, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Proficiency with Jira, NetSuite, Teamcenter, Fleetio, Tulip, or Weibull++ 2025.
- Ability to clearly communicate technical insights, failure modes, and risk mitigations across all levels of the organization—from manufacturing technicians to executive leadership.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality standards, including familiarity with PPAP; familiarity with IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 is highly preferred.
- Preferred: ISO 9001/AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or direct experience with maritime hardware and autonomous systems.
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