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Lead Quality Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skylimit Systems

Lead Quality Engineer

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Quality Engineer to oversee and drive quality assurance initiatives within our aerospace and defense manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have a ...

Ontic

Lead Quality Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$77K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality engineering activities that ensure product conformity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across aerospace programs. This ...

Ontic

Lead Quality Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality engineering activities that ensure product conformity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across aerospace programs. This ...

Ontic

Quality Lead Engineer

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality engineering activities that ensure product conformity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across aerospace programs. This ...

Ontic

Quality Lead Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for leading quality engineering activities that ensure product conformity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across aerospace programs. This ...

Integrated Resources INC

LEAD QUALITY ENGINEER

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Lead Quality Engineer Location: Sunnyvale, CA Duration: 3+ MONTHS Role Summary/Purpose This position is responsible for providing engineering and/or manufacturing process support in accordance with ...

Firefly Aerospace

Lead Quality Engineer - Launch

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Firefly Quality Engineer is responsible for the development and maintenance of processes ... Lead the Quality Assurance Team in Vandenberg (Quality Inspectors, Quality Specialists). * Support ...

Firefly Aerospace

Lead Quality Engineer - Launch

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Firefly Quality Engineer is responsible for the development and maintenance of processes ... Lead the Quality Assurance Team in Vandenberg (Quality Inspectors, Quality Specialists). * Support ...

L3HHCM20

$116K - $216K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Onsite at our Canoga Park, CA facility Job Schedule: 9/80 Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off We are seeking a Lead, Quality Engineer to ...

L3Harris Technologies

Lead, Quality Engineering

Canoga Park, CA · On-site

$116K - $216K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Onsite at our Canoga Park, CA facility Job Schedule: 9/80Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off We are seeking a Lead, Quality Engineer to ...

Advantest

Supplier Quality Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Lead quality product training with operators * Evaluate process for optimization, i.e. mistake proofing, variation tracking, task efficiencies * Engage with SEM Process and SEM Quality Engineers with ...

Advantest

Supplier Quality Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

Lead quality product training with operators * Evaluate process for optimization, i.e. mistake proofing, variation tracking, task efficiencies * Engage with SEM Process and SEM Quality Engineers with ...

Foxconn Assembly LLC

Quality Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Quality Engineer (EPD II) Shift Schedule: Day Shift (Swing Shift - Potential) San Jose, CA The ... Lead quality improvement projects and cross-functional teams to enhance product durability and ...

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All JobsLead Quality Engineer JobsLead Quality Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Quality Engineer information

See California salary details

$13

$28

$66

How much do lead quality engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead quality engineer in California is $28.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a lead quality engineer collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Lead Quality Engineers work closely with development, product management, and operations teams to ensure that quality standards are maintained throughout the project lifecycle. They participate in design and requirement reviews, help define test strategies, and coordinate testing efforts to catch potential issues early. Regular communication and alignment with stakeholders are essential, as Lead Quality Engineers often facilitate defect triage meetings and provide feedback to improve processes. This collaborative approach ensures that product releases meet both technical and business expectations.

What is a lead quality engineer?

Lead Quality Engineers are professionals responsible for overseeing and directing quality assurance processes within an organization. They lead teams of quality engineers, develop testing strategies, and ensure that products or services meet established quality standards. Their role often involves coordinating with other departments, analyzing defects or issues, and implementing improvements. Lead Quality Engineers also mentor junior staff and may be involved in developing quality documentation and compliance with industry regulations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lead quality engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Quality Engineer, you need a strong background in quality assurance, software testing methodologies, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with test automation tools like Selenium, CI/CD systems such as Jenkins, and certifications like ISTQB are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate effectively across departments. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality products, minimize defects, and support continuous improvement in engineering processes.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Quality Engineer jobs in California?

For Lead Quality Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Quality Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Quality Engineer jobs in California are:

Lead Quality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Quality Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,794 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Lead Quality Engineer

Skylimit Systems

Simi Valley, CA • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Quality Engineer to oversee and drive quality assurance initiatives within our aerospace and defense manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in AS9100 standards, defense industry compliance, and leadership of cross-functional quality teams. This role is responsible for ensuring products meet rigorous quality and regulatory requirements, managing audits, leading root cause investigations, and implementing continuous improvement strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead quality assurance efforts across the production lifecycle, ensuring compliance with aerospace and defense standards.
  • Manage internal and external audits, including AS9100, ISO, and customer-specific requirements.
  • Supervise and mentor quality engineers and inspectors, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Analyze quality data, drive root cause analysis, and implement corrective/preventive actions.
  • Collaborate with engineering, production, and supply chain to resolve quality issues and improve processes.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of quality engineering experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing.
  • Proven leadership experience in a quality-focused role.
  • Strong knowledge of AS9100, ITAR, DFARS, and related industry standards.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.