Configuration Engineer

Position Summary

The Configuration Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining configuration systems and processes that ensure products meet customer, regulatory, and internal requirements.

The candidate will effectively and efficiently ensure process quality, defect prevention, and continuous improvements are made through process and configuration control. Also ensuring inspection activities are aligned with engineering intent, control plans, aerospace quality standards, and that inspection data is effectively used to improve process capability and product reliability.

The candidate will perform our internal OPC Process that develops, maintains and ensures that product baselines are accurate, controlled and reflect current processes that are being performed through working directly with department managers on processes, special notes, key characteristics and any information deemed necessary to be included on our internal Travelers.

This position partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Tooling, and the Product Development Lab to support Wingard Aerospace’s precision manufacturing operations.

This position is highly detailed orientated.

Key Responsibilities

Configuration Engineering & Process Ownership

• Perform Purchase order Contract review with relation to Quality Control and Process Flow to ensure adequate Key Characteristics are identified, detailed traveler notes are in place to ensure contractual, purchase order, flow down and specification requirements are met
• Establish and maintain process controls for advanced manufacturing operations, including:
• • Stamping
  • Laser cutting
  • Bonding
  • Custom annealing and heat treatment
  • Magnetic testing and validation
  • Precision CNC machining and secondary finishing processes
• Support process validation and PPAP activities, ensuring readiness for production and customer approval.

Assist with Nonconformance, Corrective & Preventive Action as needed

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action (CAPA) using structured problem-solving methods.
• Drive preventive actions to reduce variation, scrap, and repeat nonconformances.
• Oversee containment, disposition, and verification of non-conforming material.
• Ensure corrective actions are effective, documented, and sustained.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Tooling, and the Product Development Lab to resolve process and production issues.
• Participate in APQP activities, PFMEA development, and process risk mitigation efforts.

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T.
• Experience with SPC, Control Plans, PFMEA, APQP, and PPAP.
• Hands-on experience with inspection and measurement equipment, including micrometers, calipers, optical comparators, indicators, gauges, CMMs, and vision systems.
• Familiarity with AS9100D and ISO9001 quality management systems.
• Experience with precision, tight-tolerance aerospace parts, components and assemblies.
• Experience developing and maintaining Configuration Control and Process Control with contribution from department managers.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify potential issues

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a manufacturing environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-driven.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills for data analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NADCAP a plus.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to use standard office and inspection equipment.
• Ability to follow proper safety procedures and wear required protective equipment.