Senior Quality Engineer

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to join our Quality Operations team. Reporting directly to the Manager of Quality Operations, you will play a critical role in serving as the ultimate guardian of product reliability and bridging the gap between visionary design and rugged, sea-ready execution. We are looking for a technical expert who creates clarity from ambiguity, possesses technical grit to solve complex multi-disciplinary problems, and drives a "Quality First" culture across manufacturing and engineering.

THE TEAM

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.

THE 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 performance trends and corrective strategies to senior management.
• Perform all responsibilities in accordance with company safety standards, maritime protocols, and quality guidelines.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical Strength & Agility: Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs., traverse a large manufacturing facility multiple times daily (including stairs and uneven surfaces), and perform frequent bending, twisting, or squatting to inspect hardware.
• Stationary Work: Ability to remain stationary at a computer workstation for ~50% of the workday.
• Environmental Adaptability: Willingness and ability to work occasionally aboard support boats in a maritime environment, including exposure to sun, wind, weather, and vessel motion.