Principal Quality Engineer Lead

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Quality Engineer (QE) to oversee Quality Engineering efforts on a key AS9100 program. This role will be responsible for managing a team of QEs, driving quality assurance activities, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. The Lead QE will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure product integrity and compliance throughout the lifecycle.

Primary Responsibilities

This position will require the candidate direct all quality aspects of a new program. The candidate should have knowledge of manufacturing practices. These activities will include but no limited to: Assembly operations / controls, testing, Non-conformances, root cause investigation, internal and 3rd party audits. This position will manage the non-conformances, managing the Quality flow downs to suppliers, Inspection instructions. This position will follow up on all internal audit finding to drive the closure of the open issues. This job will audit and ensure all operation steps are being followed per the instructions. The candidate should have a knowledge of Space programs and how they operate.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

Lead and mentor a team of Quality Engineers supporting the AS9100 program.

Assign responsibilities, set priorities, and provide guidance on quality-related tasks.

 Develop and support training programs to enhance team capabilities.

Quality Engineering & Compliance

Ensure adherence to AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements across the program.

Lead risk management, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action (RCCA/CAPA) initiatives.

Drive First Article Inspections (FAIs), PPAP, and process validations per industry standards.

 Support Design Reviews, Manufacturing Readiness Reviews (MRRs), and Configuration Control Boards (CCBs).

Program Support & Customer Interface

Act as the primary quality representative for the program, ensuring alignment with customer expectations.

Lead customer audits, source inspections, and quality reviews.

Collaborate with Program Management and Engineering to resolve quality-related challenges.

Continuous Improvement & Data-Driven Decision Making

Utilize metrics and data analysis to identify trends, drive improvements, and reduce defects.

Lead process improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Zero Defect initiatives).

Champion a culture of quality and accountability within the organization.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality, or a related field.

 12-15 years of quality engineering experience in an AS9100-regulated aerospace/defense environment.

3+ years of experience leading or managing Quality Engineers.

 Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, and aerospace industry standards.

Hands-on experience with FAI (AS9102), PPAP, RCCA (8D, 5-Why), and quality tools.

Proficiency in GD&T, statistical analysis, and risk management tools (FMEA, PFMEA, DFMEA).

Experience working with customer quality representatives, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Optics Background is preferred but not required

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or AS9100 Lead Auditor certification.

 Experience with DoD, NASA, or hypersonic programs.

Familiarity with APQP, MSA, and digital transformation initiatives in quality.

Candidate must have a BS degree and 8 years of relevant experience.  In lieu of a degree, a High School diploma/GED or equivalent education with 10 years of relevant experience will be considered.

Candidate should have at least 3 years of quality experience in an ISO9001/AS9100 system or equivalent experience in DOD, Aerospace, or Automotive manufacturing quality control.

Candidate must have experience working with non-conforming material, performing failure analysis, identifying root cause and implementing corrective action.

Candidate must be a US Citizen and possess ( as well as maintain) a Final Secret Clearance

Original Posting:

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.