Senior Quality Engineer, E-2

As a Senior Quality Engineer at Vast, you will define and implement quality methodologies, conduct hands-on inspections using mechanical tools, and program CMM. You'll identify and track manufacturing non-conformities, ensuring proactive collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams. Your role will focus on preventing defects and enhancing product quality while driving continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis.

To apply for the Senior Quality Engineer position at Vast, you'll need a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, with at least 5 years of experience in quality or manufacturing roles. Expert knowledge in GD&T, CMM programming, and quality management systems is essential. Additional preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and certifications in Six Sigma methodologies.

The Senior Quality Engineer at Vast plays a crucial role in ensuring that our technology is reliable and meets the highest standards, directly impacting our goal of space exploration. By improving product quality and reducing defects, you'll help ensure that our systems function effectively, which is vital for our mission of creating artificial gravity space stations.

Key skills for the Senior Quality Engineer role at Vast include proficiency in GD&T, CMM programming, and blueprint reading. Additionally, your ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives using tools like FMEA and root cause analysis will be critical. Strong communication and teamwork skills will also help you collaborate effectively across various departments.

Vast offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Senior Quality Engineer role, including 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible paid time off, and company equity. Employees also enjoy perks like free meals and access to wellness programs, underlining our commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.

When approaching this question, emphasize specific methodologies you've implemented in previous roles, such as Six Sigma or FMEA. Share examples of how you analyzed quality data and the positive outcomes achieved through those efforts.

To answer this question effectively, discuss your proactive strategy in identifying non-conformities, collaborating with engineering, and implementing corrective actions. Give an example of a challenging situation and how your intervention led to significant improvements.

It's important to share your specific experiences with CMM equipment and tools. Highlight any projects where you successfully programmed CMM tests and how your careful inspections contributed to quality assurance.

Discuss your methods for analyzing quality data to identify trends. Explain how you implement corrective and preventive actions and offer insight into specific improvements you have driven in previous positions.

When discussing root cause analysis, emphasize your structured approach using tools like 8D or 5 Whys. Share a relevant example where your analysis led to actionable solutions that helped decrease defects.

In your answer, explain how you gathered customer requirements and translated them into quality specifications. Discuss any collaborative efforts with teams and the project's outcome in terms of meeting or exceeding quality standards.

This is a chance to showcase your commitment to professional growth. Talk about relevant courses, certifications, conferences, or literature you engage with, demonstrating your dedication to staying informed and integrating new knowledge into your work.

Be specific about the Quality Management Systems you've worked with, such as ISO 9000 or AS9100. Discuss your role in maintaining or improving these systems and the impact on overall product quality and compliance.

Explain how you prioritize clear, constructive communication. Provide examples of reports, presentations, or team meetings where you effectively conveyed critical quality information and drove collaborative solutions.

Answer this by expressing your passion for innovation and safety in aerospace, along with how you feel quality engineering plays a vital role in ensuring mission success. Incorporate your long-term career goals to show alignment with the industry's future.