Sr. Quality Engineer (APQP)

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components.  Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.

For more information visit our website at www.kearfott.com

Sr. Quality Engineer (APQP)

Overview

Position is responsible for leading the deployment, execution, and continuous improvement of AS9145 Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities across aerospace and defense programs.

This role serves as a technical authority and facilitator for APQP methodologies, ensuring robust product realization, risk mitigation, and compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. The position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Customers to ensure successful product launch and lifecycle quality performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and execute AS9145 APQP and PPAP activities for new product introductions, design changes, and major process changes within aerospace and defense programs.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for AS9145, providing guidance on standard interpretation, application, and compliance.
• Develop and maintain APQP plans, program roadmaps, and deliverables, including risk assessments, process flow diagrams, PFMEA/DFMEA, control plans, and PPAP documentation.
• Facilitate identification, documentation, and management of Key Characteristics (KCs) and Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) requirements, ensuring appropriate controls and verification methods are in place.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design for manufacturability, producibility, and quality throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities in accordance with AS9102 and ensure alignment with APQP outputs.
• Perform and lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to APQP gaps, production escapes, and customer issues.
• Mentor and coach quality and cross-functional team members on APQP principles, tools, and aerospace best practices.
• Support internal and external audits related to AS9145, AS9100, and customer-specific requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing risk, improving launch readiness, and enhancing product and process robustness.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

• Minimum 4+ years of hands-on APQP experience using AS9145 within the aerospace and defense industry is highly desired.  Will consider Automotive APQP/PPAP experience along with AS9100 experience
• Strong working knowledge of AS9145, AS9100, AS9102, and related aerospace quality standards strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional APQP teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in quality tools including DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, SPC, and PPAP documentation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution; Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, customers, and auditors.
• Experience working in AS9100-certified manufacturing environments is highly desired.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven quality reporting.
• Ability to work independently while providing technical leadership within a team-oriented environment.
• Must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $109,000 - $128,000 Annually.  This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.

Additionally, we offer a medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a 9/80 work week with every other Friday off. Our work environment embraces our people as we enjoy monthly employee events that celebrate our workplace culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans