Sr Advanced Quality Engineer - Supplier Quality Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related Science or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

The Strategic Systems Program Supplier Quality Printed Circuit Board (PCB/PWB) Subject Matter Expert is responsible for ensuring that supplier-produced printed wiring boards and associated processes meet established technical, contractual, and quality requirements. The role applies advanced quality engineering judgment to supplier capability, PWB documentation, product acceptance, nonconformances, qualification, and continuous improvement. The position works with engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, program management, suppliers, and external customers throughout development, procurement, and production. This is a forward-facing position with considerable customer interaction, including presenting PWB quality information, discussing technical issues and risks, and coordinating resolution actions.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate supplier capability and support the qualification or onboarding of PWB suppliers for strategic systems programs.
• Review PWB drawings, technical data packages, specifications, layout requirements, and manufacturing documentation for conformance to requirements before release or procurement.
• Participate in PWB design-for-manufacturability discussions, layout requirements reviews, technical peer reviews, and supplier/customer technical meetings; communicate PWB quality risks and required actions.
• Present PWB quality status, technical findings, risks, and resolution plans to customers; lead or support customer discussions to align on requirements and closure actions.
• Develop or apply inspection, testing, and acceptance methods for incoming PWBs, including review of applicable coupons, certifications, test reports, and supplier documentation.
• Maintain PWB quality records and trackers for incoming lots, defects, nonconformances, supplier performance, quality metrics, FRACAS support, proposals, and periodic reporting.
• Review and disposition PWB material review board (MRB) actions and support resolution of nonconforming product, rework, replacement, return-to-vendor, source waiver, and supplier change requests.
• Review supplier corrective action responses, change/deviation requests, and qualification evidence; verify that corrective actions and approved process changes are effectively implemented.
• Investigate PWB supplier and manufacturing issues, including documentation traceability, materials, process capability, plating, microvia, registration, and dimensional concerns; determine or recommend appropriate containment, escalation, and corrective action.
• Perform or support supplier audits, monitor test and qualification activities, and work with suppliers to resolve findings and prevent recurrence.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and report PWB quality and production data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve inspection, documentation, supplier performance, and program execution.
• Support technical subcontract management through technical oversight and evaluation of supplier work products.
• Maintain PWB lessons learned and contribute to quality process improvements, including automation of quality records and reporting where appropriate.
• Exercise independent judgment on advanced PWB quality issues and stop production or shipments when evidence indicates an unresolved quality concern.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of supplier quality engineering principles, quality systems, corrective action, nonconformance control, and inspection methods.
• Strong working knowledge of PWB manufacturing and inspection, including rigid and rigid-flex boards, PWB drawings and specifications, technical data packages, design-for-manufacturability, and supplier documentation.
• Skilled in reviewing drawings, instructions, test reports, certifications, and change documentation for conformance to requirements.
• Strong knowledge of configuration management, change management, contract quality requirements, and quality flow-down to suppliers and subcontractors.
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate issues, impacts, risks, corrective actions, and quality decisions to suppliers, program teams, and customers.
• Strong ability to analyze quality and production data, develop metrics, and use standard office and quality-system tools.
• Ability to resolve advanced, complex quality problems independently and serve as a recognized PWB quality authority within the program.
• Ethical judgment and willingness to stop production or shipments when quality evidence requires resolution
• Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Workplace Options:
This position is fully on-site.  While on-site, you will be a part of the Bloomington, MN facility.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans