Quality Assurance Engineer

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  

Position Overview

This position is the product assurance authority responsible for developing, implementing, coordinating and administrating integration of quality assurance programs. Inspector/technician responsible for all directed mandatory calls, audits and discrepancy reporting throughout the PDM modification process. Meets daily with Contract Liaison Representatives to identify, discuss, and determine the safe and most cost-efficient repair for all contract discrepancy reports. Acts on behalf of squadron leadership and program management for coordinating and administering integrated quality assurance programs and communicating with multiple active duty and civilian agencies. Advises squadron leadership and other program officials on quality related matters in functional disciplines (e.g., program management, engineering, contract manufacturing, configuration management, logistics, test and evaluation). Identifies any aircraft system weaknesses and develop safe, cost-efficient repair action plans for aircraft systems across the facility. Ensures squadron/customer needs are adequately considered in establishing contract quality requirements. Ensures contractors fulfill their responsibilities for controlling product quality.

Responsibilities

• Provide product and quality assurance support to the 645 AESS for assigned Programs.• Participates in review/evaluation of contractor technical data, statements of work (SOW), contracts, instructions, use/control of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and maintenance facilities. Ensures modifications, installations and repairs are performed in accordance with approved USAF Technical Publications, approved Prime Contractors Technical Process Specifications and approved engineering. Validates contractor requirements, identifies shortfalls in performance/compliance and corrects deficiencies. Presents status of information briefings to squadron and contractor as required. Safeguards/controls government assets to support user through aircraft acquisition, depot and modification.• Evaluates contractor performance from a Ground Government Flight Representative (GGFR) and/or Aircraft Maintenance Manager (AMM) perspective. • Plans and performs self-inspections of contractor flight and ground operation identifying improper maintenance procedures, tech data, and ground handling. • Documents results and assures compliance utilizing Corrective Action Request (CAR), Quality Deficiency Reporting (QDR) or quality audit submission, thus reducing mishap risk. • Supports Squadron GFR/GGFR in duties.• Plans and conducts on/off-site quality assessments in support of programs and decision-making events. Visits contractor facilities/operations to investigate problems ranging from low quality in deployed systems, inconsistent product quality, and production schedule or contract compliance inspection. Assures the adequacy of the contractor quality assurance planning/process for successful program execution.• Responsible for ground supporting duties during test flights in various capacities assuring safety and critical communications real time. Ensures all aircraft systems and modifications work in accordance with maintenance/operational technical data, FAA regulations and contract requirements. Provides users with quality, safe, sustainable and operational capable weapon systems.• Discuss aircraft issues weekly within the program on the condition of aircraft and identify, brainstorm and resolve fleet wide aircraft problem areas. Identify weaknesses fleet-wide, garner buy-in from active-duty field units, and develop action plans for the proposed remedies. • Provide specialized Depot technical support for maintenance actions for aircraft and ground systems at home station and worldwide operating locations. • Formulates organizational strategies and timely responses for programed aircraft ensuring available resources for repair and customer concerns are resolved with minimal downtime across fleet aircraft with 24/7 coverage. Ensures optimal control of government and commercial assigned assets to enhance support to the customer/warfighter.• Maintains flight status, (FAA physical, water survival, altitude chamber) to support functional test flights and mod flights ensuring a quality product is delivered to the end users. • Other tasks/duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance required• 5+ years’ combined experience in flight operations, logistics, and acquisition• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in management and maintenance/logistics • Minimum of 5 years’ experience as ground and in-flight maintenance• Knowledgeable of BS PMO initiatives and familiar with DOD 5000 series acquisition regulations• Current in Air Force maintenance and logistic support concepts• Familiar with current Federal Aviation Administration regulations

• Ability to travel to CONUS/OCONUS locations as needed to install equipment, complete maintenance bulletins (MB), update software sets and provide customer support to end users• Ability to pass and maintain FAA Class III Flight Physical and participate as a crewmember on test/evaluation and verification flights as required for assigned programs

Global Comp

$90,000 - $105,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.