Lead Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Job Description Summary
Job Description
Working at our Clearwater Location
Clearwater is a provider of engineering, circuit card assembly, OEM Avionics, and MRO services to commercial and military customers. Products and technologies here are diverse and highly sophisticated. Your work will contribute to systems that manage the performance of Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft as well as F-18s, F-35s, Harriers, and Apaches. Not only will you work in a facility that has been awarded OSHAS’s highest safety rating, but you’ll be part of a diverse team of employees working together to impact the future of flight for generations.
Role Overview
The Lead Manufacturing Quality Engineer works with a team of Quality Engineers to ensure the highest standards of product quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across the manufacturing lifecycle. This role is responsible for developing and sustaining robust quality systems, driving root cause and corrective action processes, and partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain teams to resolve complex quality issues, especially related to New Product Introduction.
Roles and Responsibilities
Collaborate with other Manufacturing Quality Engineers, providing guidance, training, and feedback as needed.
Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality control systems and procedures throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
Lead Root Cause Analysis and corrective / preventive actions for complex quality issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, etc.)
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and statistical process control (SPC).
Ensure compliance with Aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, NADCAP), internal GE Aerospace policies, and regulatory requirements.
Participate in design reviews, production readiness reviews, and supplier quality audits to proactively identify and mitigate quality risks.
Develop and analyze key quality metrics, preparing reports and presenting findings to senior leadership.
Lead FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and control plan development for new and existing products.
Act as a primary contact for customer quality concerns and interface with regulatory bodies during audits.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college (or a High School diploma / GED with at least 7 years of experience in Quality and/or Manufacturing)
Minimum of 3 years of experience with wave solder, selective solder, surface-mount technology (SMT) process and/or SMT inspection [or a GE Operations Management Leadership Program (OMLP) Graduate]
This position requires U.S. Citizenship status
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, or relevant technical field) from an accredited university
5+ years of experience in Manufacturing Quality within the Aerospace industry, including wave solder, selective solder, and surface-mount technology
Strong knowledge of AS9100 quality management systems and auditing principles
Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Black Belt certification preferred)
Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, RedX)
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents
Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis software
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Additional Information
GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.
Relocation Assistance Provided: No