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Quality Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$107K - $153K/yr

Quality Engineer Department: Quality Employment Type: Full Time Location: Swagelok Northern California Reporting To: Quality Assurance Manager Compensation: $107,070 - $153,913 / year Description The ...

Quality Engineer

Chatsworth, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Our team is looking for a Quality Engineer to join them. You will report to the Quality Engineer Lead and will have an onsite work structure in Chatsworth, CA . To be considered for the Quality ...

Quality Engineer

Chatsworth, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Our team is looking for a Quality Engineer to join them. You will report to the Quality Engineer Lead and will have an onsite work structure in Chatsworth, CA . To be considered for the Quality ...

Our team is looking for a Quality Engineer to join them. You will report to the Quality Engineer Lead and will have an onsite work structure in Chatsworth, CA . To be considered for the Quality ...

Our team is looking for a Quality Engineer to join them. You will report to the Quality Engineer Lead and will have an onsite work structure in Chatsworth, CA . To be considered for the Quality ...

Quality Engineer

Chatsworth, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Our team is looking for a Quality Engineer for Second Shift to join them. You will report to the Quality Engineer Lead and will have an onsite work structure in Chatsworth, CA . To be considered for ...

Our team is looking for a Quality Engineer for Second Shift to join them. You will report to the Quality Engineer Lead and will have an onsite work structure in Chatsworth, CA . To be considered for ...

Quality Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$74K - $95K/yr

Job Title: Quality Engineer The Quality Engineer supports product and process quality across the entire product lifecycle, from new product development and validation through manufacturing ...

Quality Engineer

Fremont, CA

$78K - $101K/yr

The Quality Engineer drives continuous improvement in business performance by ensuring processes consistently deliver safe, reliable, and customer-focused outcomes. Working collaboratively with ...

Quality Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a Quality Engineer to support quality assurance initiatives and ensure products meet internal and customer requirements within a manufacturing environment. Responsibilities * Develop ...

Quality Engineer

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

Quality Engineer Location: Brea, CA (Onsite) Duration: Full-time Job Summary: Quality Assurance Engineer will actively lead the improvement of customer satisfaction by leading the reduction of ...

Quality Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$74K - $95K/yr

Job Title: Quality Engineer The Quality Engineer supports product and process quality across the entire product lifecycle, from new product development and validation through manufacturing ...

Quality Engineer

Menlo Park, CA ยท On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Process / Quality Engineer | Menlo Park, CA We are seeking a Process / Quality Engineer with a background in Medical Devices, Mechanical Engineering, or Medical Device Manufacturing to support ...

Quality Engineer

Newark, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Quality Engineer Location: Newark, CA Job Function: Quality Assurance Engineering Job Summary: The Quality Engineer develops, implements, and maintains plans, and methods for controlling the quality ...

Quality Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $120K/yr

In this role, the Quality Engineer will lead and support quality engineering activities associated with product quality, manufacturing processes, supplier quality, and regulatory compliance.

Quality Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $120K/yr

In this role, the Quality Engineer will lead and support quality engineering activities associated with product quality, manufacturing processes, supplier quality, and regulatory compliance.

This Quality Engineering position will help baseline the company's design efforts and pave the way to production. The Joby Aviation team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and ...

Quality Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$112K - $120K/yr

In this role, the Quality Engineer will lead and support quality engineering activities associated with product quality, manufacturing processes, supplier quality, and regulatory compliance.

Quality Engineer

Marina, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $113K/yr

This Quality Engineering position will help baseline the company's design efforts and pave the way to production. The Joby Aviation team is made up of extremely talented, hardworking, proactive, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Quality Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$82.9K

$117.4K

How much do quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for quality engineer in California is $82,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Quality Engineer typically collaborate with other departments to ensure product quality?

Quality Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, design, and supply chain to uphold product standards. They often participate in team meetings, review process documentation, and coordinate root cause analyses with engineers and operators. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are key, as they must ensure that quality requirements are clearly understood and implemented throughout each stage of production. This collaborative approach not only helps resolve issues quickly but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

What Is a Quality Engineer?

A quality engineer ensures that the products manufactured by a company are meeting company and government quality control standards. As a quality engineer, your responsibilities include assessing and developing quality assurance protocols, examining products for compliance, and training teams to follow your policies. You also record data regarding production to track quality and produce the documentation need to communicate concerns throughout the company. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) regulates the profession and offers a path to become a certified quality engineer (CQE).

What is the job of a quality engineer?

A quality engineer is responsible for developing and implementing quality control processes to ensure products or services meet specified standards. They analyze data, perform inspections, and collaborate with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues, often using tools like Six Sigma or ISO standards. The role requires attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of testing and inspection methods.

What is the difference between Quality Engineer vs Quality Technician?

AspectQuality EngineerQuality Technician
ResponsibilitiesDesigning quality systems, process improvements, root cause analysisInspecting products, conducting tests, recording quality data
Required SkillsAnalytical skills, problem-solving, knowledge of quality standardsAttention to detail, testing procedures, data collection
CertificationsASQ CQE, Six SigmaASQ CQPA, basic quality certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice, manufacturing plants, cross-functional teamsManufacturing floors, labs, inspection stations

Quality Engineers focus on developing and improving quality systems and processes, while Quality Technicians primarily perform inspections and tests to ensure product quality. Both roles are essential in maintaining standards, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, aerospace, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas or technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Quality Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quality Engineer, you need a solid grounding in engineering principles, quality assurance methodologies, and a relevant degree such as in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Six Sigma, ISO standards, statistical process control (SPC), and quality management systems (QMS) is typically required, and certifications like CQE (Certified Quality Engineer) are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you identify issues, collaborate with teams, and drive continuous improvement. These skills ensure that products and processes consistently meet standards, minimize defects, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

How much does a quality engineer earn?

The average salary for a quality engineer varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with certifications like Six Sigma or ISO auditor training can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also be influenced by industry, company size, and specific technical skills.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most engineering roles do not reach a $500,000 annual salary, some highly specialized or senior-level engineers such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or those in executive or consulting positions can earn this level of income. Achieving such compensation typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What are Quality Engineers?

Quality Engineers are professionals who focus on ensuring that products or services meet consistent standards of quality. They develop and implement processes, conduct tests, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement in manufacturing or production. Quality Engineers often work closely with other departments to solve quality-related issues, maintain documentation, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Their goal is to minimize defects, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Quality Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Quality Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Quality Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Quality Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,939 per year, or $39.9 per hour.
Quality Engineer

$107K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Quality Engineer
Department: Quality
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Swagelok Northern California
Reporting To: Quality Assurance Manager
Compensation: $107,070 - $153,913 / year
Description
The Quality Engineer drives continuous improvement in business performance by ensuring processes consistently deliver safe, reliable, and customer-focused outcomes. Working collaboratively with process owners, this role measures and analyzes process performance, identifies risks and opportunities for improvement, and implements sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
The Quality Engineer serves as the steward of our Quality Management System, ensuring compliance while reducing process variation, improving operational effectiveness, and enhancing customer satisfaction. The Quality Engineer leads our internal audit program to assess process effectiveness, uncover risks and opportunities for improvement, and ensures corrective actions drive measurable and sustainable improvements in business performance. Through data-driven decision making and root cause problem solving, this position helps the organization achieve its quality, delivery, and growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Compliance
  • Develop, execute, and continuously enhance the internal and supplier audit programs to assess process effectiveness, ensure compliance, identify risks, and drive operational improvement.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve quality system documentation, process descriptions, work instructions, and manufacturing procedures to support operational excellence and standardization.
  • Evaluate supplier capabilities, quality systems, and process controls to ensure conformance with organizational, customer, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure supplier compliance with customer-specific requirements, including documentation, certifications, traceability, and quality record submissions.
  • Review engineering drawings, bills of materials, routings, specifications, and related documentation to verify accuracy, completeness, and compliance with customer and company requirements.

Corrective Action & Nonconformance Management
  • Own and continuously improve the Nonconforming Product (NCP) and supplier Returned Material Authorization (RMA) processes to minimize quality escapes, reduce recurrence, and protect customer satisfaction.
  • Lead root cause investigations and corrective action initiatives, ensuring systemic issues are identified, addressed, and prevented from recurring through sustainable process improvements.
  • Investigate, document, and resolve quality-related issues, coordinating with internal teams and external partners as needed.
  • Communicate the status of quality-related issues, corrective actions, and improvement activities to Production Control, Operations, and other stakeholders.
  • Attend and actively participate in Quality, Material Review Board (MRB), and other cross-functional meetings to review quality performance, resolve issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Product & Process Quality Engineering
  • Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Quality teams to proactively prevent nonconforming products from reaching customers through effective quality planning, risk mitigation, and process controls.
  • Provide quality engineering support for new and existing products through first-piece approvals, First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), and validation of manufacturing processes.
  • Participate in product and process design reviews to identify quality risks, improve manufacturability, and ensure customer requirements are adequately addressed.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to Quality Technicians and inspection personnel to ensure consistent application of quality standards and inspection requirements.

Supplier Quality & Performance
  • Monitor, analyze, and communicate supplier quality performance metrics, leading initiatives that improve supplier capability, reliability, and overall supply chain performance.
  • Provide quality engineering support for new and existing products through first-piece approvals, First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR), and validation of manufacturing processes.
  • Foster collaborative relationships across Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Regulatory, and Quality functions to improve process performance and achieve quality objectives.

Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis
  • Analyze quality, operational, and supplier performance data to identify trends, uncover improvement opportunities, and support data-driven decision making.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives that reduce variation, eliminate waste, mitigate risk, and improve quality, delivery, and operational effectiveness.
  • Lead or contribute to strategic quality initiatives, cross-functional projects, and other assignments that support organizational objectives and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills, Competencies, Education, & Work Experience
Skills & Competencies
  • Continuous Improvement Leadership. Leads initiatives that improve quality, reduce variation, eliminate waste, and enhance operational effectiveness through the application of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action. Applies structured problem-solving methodologies, including 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, and corrective action processes, to identify systemic issues and implement sustainable solutions.
  • Quality Systems & Compliance. Demonstrates knowledge of quality management systems, auditing principles, document control practices, and regulatory or customer-specific requirements to ensure compliance and process effectiveness.
  • Data Analysis & Decision Making. Utilizes statistical analysis, quality metrics, and performance data to identify trends, evaluate process capability, assess risk, and drive data-based decisions.
  • Supplier Quality Management. Evaluates supplier performance, quality systems, and process controls while collaborating with suppliers to improve capability, compliance, and overall product quality.
  • Technical & Engineering Interpretation. Reads, interprets, and critiques engineering drawings, specifications, bills of material, process documentation, and quality requirements to ensure product and process conformance.
  • Project & Process Management. Effectively manages multiple projects, corrective actions, audits, and improvement initiatives while balancing competing priorities and meeting established timelines.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence. Builds effective working relationships across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Quality functions to achieve quality objectives and drive organizational improvements.
  • Effective Verbal and Written Communication. Communicates technical information, quality concerns, audit findings, corrective actions, and project updates clearly and professionally to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Computer & Quality Systems Proficiency. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and quality-related systems, including ERP, document management, reporting, and statistical analysis tools.

Education & Work ExperienceRequired:
  • Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in an engineering or quality discipline
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience in a manufacturing environment (or 2 years with a Master's Degree in related discipline)

Preferred:
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
  • ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Benefits
  • 100% covered employee Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Up to 80% dependent coverage for Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • 401k Plan & Company Matching up to 4%
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Competitive Pay
  • Generous PTO
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement up to $50/month
  • Professional Coaching