ARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here. Discover your next career opportunity now!Position OverviewThis position reports directly to the Quality Engineering Manager. The Quality Assurance Engineer candidate will be responsible to develop and execute the Program Plan and lead quality improvement activities in targeted areas of the organization in support of the business plan. Provide quality assurance support to internal and external customers, suppliers and DMT partners. This position also executes the Quality Assurance strategy of the organization to ensure continuous production of products consistent with customer requirements, government regulations and established industry standards.The Quality Assurance Engineers are responsible for quality assurance support to customers, suppliers, partners and targeted departments of the organization.ResponsibilitiesQuality Planning & ComplianceDevelop and Implement Quality Assurance plans, review and approval of all drawings, specifications, and manufacturing operation documents to understand and translate engineering and system-level functional requirements into inspection requirements for inspectorsLead and manage Quality Assurance requirements – including all contractual flow-downs on contractual products in support of manufacturing, procurement, test, and customer returns areasEnsure compliance to industry standards (e.g. AS9100)Monitor compliance to contractual requirements and documented procedures and assure compliance of deliverable end items. Report regularly on progress and recommend recovery/mitigation plans to both Quality and Program managementParticipate in all aspects of product development (project reviews, design verification, and risk assessments) and be the primary customer interface with respect to managing all required source inspections and audits. Serves as primary interface with DCMA and customer quality representativesManufacturing & Assembly SupportMonitor and audit fabrication, assembly, and integration processes to verify adherence to specifications and cleanliness standardsApply SPC as necessary to analyze product & process performance to recommend and implement improvements in targeted areas of the organization. Continuously evaluate program process capability, control plans, analysis of out-of-control conditions and audits with the objective of improving process performance and capabilityTest and Validation OversightSupport environmental, vibration, and thermal vacuum testing to ensure system integrityReview test data and drive root cause analysis on anomalies or non-conformancesEvaluate and qualify suppliers of optical, structural, and electronic componentsMust be able and willing to travel as requiredPerform incoming inspection and quality control of high-precision components (e.g., optics, coatings, hardware)Documentation & ReportingGenerate quality documentation including inspection reports, nonconformance reports, first article inspection reports, and final acceptance documentationMaintain traceability from raw material to final assembly, in line with configuration management and flight certification requirementsFacilitate Material Review Board (MRB) functions and disposition of all non-conformances as the chair of the MRB team, including dimensional, performance, cosmetic, and workmanship issuesRequired QualificationsBachelor of science - engineering (engineering, physics, or optical sciences)Minimum of 5 years' experience in Quality Assurance EngineeringWorking knowledge & experience:with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancingin AS 9100 & ISO 9001 in addition to other industry-specific standards and regulationssupporting optical, mechanical and electrical products in a manufacturing environmentutilizing metrology equipment (i.e., CMM, autocollimators, interferometers, measure scopes)preparing Inspection and Manufacturing Operation instructionsCost of Quality and specifically the Cost of Non-Conformance; has used Cost of Quality metrics and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and waste reductionwith configuration management tools (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and ERP systemsAnalytical problem-solving skills - understands problem solving methods (i.e., 8D, root cause analysis, Fishbone, Sologic, 5 Why) and the associated statistical tools used to analyze problems; can solve problems of typical scope and complexityExcellent team player, interacts well with other technical departments (Receiving Inspection, Manufacturing Engineering and Design Engineering)Preferred QualificationsPrior experience in a high-reliability environment with Electro/Mechanical/Optical equipmentMS Office proficiency, SAP experience, and statistical analysis software packagesASQ Certification (CQE)Six sigma experience or LEAN, knowledge of Lean Product Development (LPD) and Continuous Improvement (CI)Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We're close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!What We OfferCompany contributions to qualified HSA accounts401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events13 paid holidaysUpfront tuition assistance for approved degree programsAnnual bonus program based on company and employee performanceCompany paid life insurance, AD&DD, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance4 weeks paid Parental LeaveEmployee assistance program (EAP)While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions, occasionally operate tools and/or machinery with hands and arms and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. The employee will use protective equipment when working with chemicals, move between workstations, reach, and replace equipment, and move items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.ITC & Security Clearance RequirementsThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.This position also requires U.S. citizenship in support of contract requirements. Additionally, if you are a dual citizen (a citizen of the U.S. and another country), the Company must obtain approval for you to have access to the information required for this position. You will not be able to begin employment until such approval is obtained and this may take several months.Visa RestrictionsNo visa sponsorship is available for this position.Pre-employment ScreeningsEmployment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.#J-18808-Ljbffr