Junior Quality Control Engineer Jobs in California

Aitech Defense Systems is renowned for its innovation in rugged embedded systems, designed to operate reliably in the challenging environments of military, defense, aerospace, and space applications. Founded in 1983, Aitech has a rich history of pioneering advancements such as the world’s first conduction-cooled MIL-SPEC VMEbus board and has continually evolved its product line to include state-of-the art SBCs, GPGPU-based AI applications, and advanced cybersecurity for mission-critical systems.

Joining us means you’ll be working at the forefront of technology with projects that span across land, sea, air, and space, supporting some of the top prime contractors in the industry. This opportunity will allow you to contribute to groundbreaking projects and push the boundaries of embedded computing technology.

AiTech offers a competitive total rewards package aligned with the individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience, and in line with both internal standards and external market practices. The expected annual salary range for this role is $75,000 - $90,000 a year.

The Junior Quality Engineer supports the organization's Quality Management System (QMS) and customer quality requirements by coordinating, documenting, analyzing, and reporting quality-related activities. This role works closely with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, customers, and suppliers to ensure compliance with company procedures, AS9100/ISO standards, and customer contractual requirements.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to develop a career in quality engineering within a regulated environment. This position provides hands‑on experience with customer requirements review, nonconformance management, supplier quality, first article process, quality metrics, and internal audits.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Customer Requirements & Contract Review

• Review customer purchase orders and contractual quality requirements to ensure accurate flow down of specifications and compliance obligations.
• Assist in identifying quality, regulatory, and customer‑specific requirements during order review.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Program Management, and Operations to resolve quality‑related customer requirements.

Quality Documentation & Nonconformance Management

• Create, maintain, and track Nonconformance Material Reports (NCMRs) through closure.
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition tracking.
• Assist with root cause and corrective action investigations utilizing quality tools such as 5-Why, Fishbone, RCCA, and 8D methodologies.
• Ensure quality records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with company procedures.

First Article Process & Customer Quality Portals

• Prepare and coordinate AS9102 First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
• Submit and maintain FAIR documentation through Net-Inspect and customer‑specific quality portals.
• Support documentation reviews to ensure completeness and compliance with customer requirements.

Quality Metrics & Data Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to quality performance, on‑time delivery, supplier performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop trend analyses and visual reports to support management review and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor customer scorecards and communicate performance trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Supplier Quality Support

• Track and coordinate Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
• Follow up with suppliers to ensure timely responses and corrective action implementation.
• Maintain supplier quality performance records and assist with supplier performance evaluations.

Audit Support & Compliance

• Perform assigned internal quality audits in accordance with AS9100 and company procedures.
• Document audit findings and support corrective action follow‑up activities.
• Assist in preparing for customer, registrar, and external audits.
• Support continuous improvement efforts within the Quality Management System.

Inspection Support

• Serve as a backup inspector when required.
• Conduct basic inspections of products, assemblies, and documentation to verify compliance with drawings, specifications, and workmanship standards.
• Support disposition and verification activities related to nonconforming material.

General Responsibilities

• Communicate quality issues effectively across departments.
• Support quality improvement projects and departmental initiatives.
• Stay current with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and quality best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working in Quality Engineering
• This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee

Preferred

• Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, or other quality management systems.
• Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements.
• Exposure to Net-Inspect or customer quality portals.
• Experience with quality tools such as 5-Why, Fishbone, FMEA, SPC, RCCA, and 8D.
• Understanding manufacturing processes, electronics assembly, electromechanical products, or aerospace/defense environments.
• IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, CQE, or related quality certifications.
• Experience using ERP, MES, or quality management software systems.

Position Criteria

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional team environment.