Granite State Manufacturing is a leading contract manufacturer of large, complex, precision machined and welded components, supporting the US Navy in building submarines.
We specialize in high-mix, low-to-medium volume production, delivering precision, quality, and on-time performance on custom-engineered products. Our capabilities include:
- Large-format CNC machining
- Heavy fabrication and welding (MIG, TIG, FCAW, SAW)
- Assembly, inspection, and testing
- Program management for complex builds
We are known for handling tight tolerances, complex geometries, and demanding customer specifications.
Our work environment is supportive, providing what our people need to do great work.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Quality Assurance Engineer serves as a high-level technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the Quality Department. This collaborative role drives technical strategies for quality assurance, contract compliance, and advanced inspection methods.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supports and completes activities concerned with development, application, and maintenance of quality standards, requirements, documents, and instructions for industrial processes, materials, and products.
- This role requires direct aerospace/defense inspection experience, planning and directing technical workflows, ensuring contract adherence, and spearhead continuous improvement.
- Reviews contracts, blueprints, and customer/industry specifications to determine dimensions, tolerances, and other applicable inspection and test criteria or requirements.
- Develops, performs, and initiates standards and methods for inspection, testing, and evaluation, including Inspection Reports, Process Improvement (PI), CSI/GSI, DMR/MRB, and internal/external audits.
- Reviews documents and records to assist and support final inspection, customer source inspection, government source inspection, and related activities.
- Develops inspection plans and quality control methods and supports the development of procedures, instructions, and forms for recording, evaluating, and reporting quality-related information within the Quality Management System.
- Reviews and interprets contract quality requirements and supports Estimating/Engineering with router procedures and quality control plans.
- Supports and completes Raw Material, Receiving, and Chemical inspections, as well as First Article Inspections (FAI), process validations, and qualification activities.
- Supports programs to evaluate the precision and accuracy of production equipment and testing, measurement, and analytical equipment and facilities.
- Supports measurement tool utilization, develops CMM routines, and mentors junior staff on metrology standards.
- Leads investigations of nonconforming materials, products, and processes; supports and implements methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and assesses cost and responsibility.
- Assists and supports the DMR/MRB process.
- Leads high-level root cause analysis and corrective action boards (RCCA/CAPA) and supports or conducts complex AS9100, NAVSEA, customer, internal, and external (supplier) audits.
- Reviews and approves final documentation packages.
- Analyzes quality metrics and identifies opportunities for continuous process improvement and cost reduction.
- Acts as a technical liaison between Inspection, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing, Engineering, Program teams, customer quality representatives, and management.
- Ensures strict adherence to company safety, environmental, and ethical standards.
- Takes timely and effective action to meet customer needs and company goals.
- Completes other duties assigned by Quality Leadership.
- Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for creating a professional, safe, and clean environment evidenced by: being at work on time to perform assigned duties, following the policies of Granite State Manufacturing, always wearing safety glasses in designated areas, maintaining a neat and orderly work area, and following safety practices to prevent errors.
- Demonstrates commitment to teamwork by establishing effective relationships and networks with both managers/directors and workers and collaborating with them to accomplish shared purposes and goals.
- Abides by GSM Code of Ethics and Business Conduct standards and strictly observe all U.S. and foreign laws and regulations.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Team-First Mindset: Collaborative cross-functional team player.
- Inspection Mastery: 5+ years of hands-on precision defense/aerospace inspection experience.
- Technical Skills: Advanced CMM and core computer/MRP proficiencies.
- Standards & Compliance: Strong background in AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015 frameworks, NAVSEA, FAR, and other customer based requirement familiarity.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Two-year certification from college or technical school, or related technical field.
- 5 to 10+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems.
- Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies.
- Demonstrated experience leading root cause investigations and corrective actions.
- Proficiency with statistical analysis and Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification.
- Experience in contract manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
- Due to the nature and importance of GSM’s work, our positions require access to export-controlled information. Therefore, all candidates must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control/ITAR regulations or otherwise be authorized to access such information under U.S. law.
EEO STATEMENT
Granite State Manufacturing (GSM) is an equal opportunity employer. GSM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws in its programs, activities, or employment.
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Medical insurance
- Dental & Vision, Life insurance (Company paid)
- Disability benefits (Company paid)
- 401(k) & 401(k) company matching
- Paid time off and holidays
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings account
- Referral program
- Overtime opportunities (if applicable)
- Training and career growth in advanced manufacturing
- Employee assistance program
Why Join Us?
- Work on large-scale, one-of-a-kind projects
- Stable industry with strong customer demand
- Opportunity to grow in a flexible, high-skill environment
- Collaborative team focused on quality and craftsmanship
Skills Required
- 5+ years of hands-on precision defense or aerospace inspection experience
- Advanced CMM proficiency
- Computer and MRP proficiency
- Strong knowledge of AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality frameworks
- Familiarity with NAVSEA, FAR, and customer-specific requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related technical field; or a two-year college or technical school certification
- 5 to 10+ years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems
- Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies
- Experience leading root cause investigations and corrective actions
- Proficiency with statistical analysis and Microsoft Office applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer certification or equivalent
- Experience in contract manufacturing environments
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles
- Must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable export-control or ITAR regulations, or otherwise be authorized to access export-controlled information under U.S. law
Granite State Manufacturing Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Granite State Manufacturing and has not been reviewed or approved by Granite State Manufacturing.
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Affordable Benefits — Health coverage is described as having low employee contributions with the employer covering a substantial share in many cases. This reduces out-of-pocket costs alongside options like FSAs and wellness incentives.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision plans are offered together with company-paid short- and long-term disability and life/AD&D insurance. Additional programs such as an EAP and voluntary worksite benefits expand the protection set.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match is included to support long-term savings. The broader package is complemented by paid time off and holidays.
Granite State Manufacturing Insights
What We Do
Granite State Manufacturing (GSM) is a New Hampshire-based precision manufacturer with more than 85 years of history and a clear purpose: building complex systems that support the U.S. Navy submarine fleet. From our facilities in Manchester and Nashua, NH, our 170+-person team produces precision-machined components, certified weldments, electromechanical assemblies, and integrated systems for U.S. Navy programs, including submarine life support, sonar, & communications systems. We hold AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, and ITAR registrations — and we take those standards seriously, because the people who use what we build depend on them. GSM is a growing company. We've received Navy Supplier Development Funding across four programs, invested in advanced 5-axis machining, large-scale welding, and high-bay assembly capability, and helped build active training partnerships with Nashua Community College, Manchester Community College, and UMass Lowell — with machining and welding programs funded in full by the U.S. Navy. Machinists, welders, quality professionals, engineers, planners, and program managers are some of the roles we hire for. People who do their best work when the stakes are real. If that sounds like you, we'd like to talk.
Why Work With Us
We machine, weld, and assemble systems for U.S. Navy submarines. Not generic contract work — specific, high-consequence builds that have to be right. Family-owned for 85+ years. Two NH facilities. Work worth being good at.
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