First Article Inspector Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Position Overview: The New Product Introduction (NPI) Quality Engineer – Electrical is responsible for ensuring that new products are designed, developed, and launched in compliance with quality standards and regulatory/stakeholder requirements. This role drives risk-based quality planning, ensuring that outputs from design and process development are effectively translated into control plans and inspection strategies to support scalable, repeatable manufacturing.

The NPI Quality Engineer partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Supplier Quality to proactively identify risks, implement controls, and ensure strong product realization from prototype through production.

Key Responsibilities

NPI Quality Planning & Execution

• Lead quality activities throughout the NPI lifecycle
• Develop and maintain Quality plans aligned with program milestones
• Use best practices with regards to compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 requirements during product introduction
• Participate in design reviews, gate reviews, first article builds, engineering change reviews, and readiness assessments

Risk Management & FMEA

• Lead or participate in Design FMEA (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA) activities
• Identify critical risks related to product performance, manufacturing process, supplier capability, customer requirements, and regulatory requirements
• Drive risk mitigation actions and track closure
• Ensure PFMEA outputs are actionable and aligned with real production conditions

Product and Process Validation

• Define and execute Product and Process Validation activities where applicable
• Drive closure of design, manufacturing, supplier, and test-related quality issues before production release
• Verify that all critical characteristics are adequately controlled
• Establish First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements
• Implement preventative actions to improve product reliability and manufacturability

Supplier Quality Integration

• Collaborate with Supplier Quality to:
  • Flow down requirements to suppliers
  • Ensure supplier inspection and validation aligns with internal requirements
• Support supplier qualification and processes

Nonconformance & Continuous Improvement

• Support MRB activities during NPI builds and early production
• Drive root cause analysis using structured methods across design, supplier, manufacturing, and field issues
• Feed lessons learned and continuous improvement activities back into development programs

Documentation & QMS Integration

• Help develop and maintain DFMEA/PFMEA, control plans, inspection plans, and quality procedures
• Ensure documentation is controlled within the QMS system
• Support internal and external audits related to NPI activities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years in automotive, aerospace, defense, robotics, or similar industry, focusing on the design and specifications of complex electronic systems
• Strong knowledge of: PFMEA / DFMEA , control plans, inspection planning & metrology, root cause analysis methodologies
• Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar QMS standards
• Ability to read electrical engineering drawings such as one-line diagrams, ladder schematics, networking diagrams, wiring diagrams and similar

Preferred Qualifications

• Involvement in both small and large scale NPI / product lifecycle activities
• Experience designing or evaluating electrical system architectures for reliable operation in harsh environments
• Familiarity with power distribution in low voltage AC/DC systems
• Knowledge of environmental qualification standards such as MIL-STD-801, MIL-STD-461, ISO 16750, etc.
• Experience working in integration/production environments
• Hands-on experience with MRB and nonconformance systems

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCAA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.