Principal Product Quality Engineer
Epirus · Torrance, CA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Quality
- Travel
- 25%
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 8+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior quality role at Epirus (aerospace & defense) in Torrance, CA. You will define, develop, and execute quality processes across the entire product lifecycle.
- They ask for
- 8+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, Root cause, FMEA, APQP
- Day to day
- about 25% travel
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At a glance
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How to get in at this plant
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- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at Epirus
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- 2
Send a short, curious note
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- 3
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- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
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- The posting says about 25% travel. Between which sites?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- 4
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- 5
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About the role
Job Summary
We are seeking a Principal Product Quality Engineer to join our innovative, fast-growing defense technology company. This role focuses on our Large Systems product line and requires an agile, collaborative, hands-on leader with deep experience in assembly, integration, and test of complex electromechanical systems.
As the technical authority for product quality, you will define, develop, and execute quality processes across the entire product lifecycle. You'll partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management teams to deliver robust, reliable, and mission-ready products that meet the demanding
requirements
of defense applications.
Responsibilities
Lead quality planning and execution throughout the entire Product Development Process, from concept through production and field deployment.
Develop and implement comprehensive quality strategies for assembly, integration, and test operations.
Establish quality gates and approval processes to ensure readiness at each phase transition.
Deploy advanced quality mechanisms (DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans) using APQP framework to drive production readiness.
Develop integration inspection and test strategies with clear acceptance criteria for large-scale systems.
Partner with engineering to define critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and key product parameters.
Develop and execute product reliability strategies and test plans.
Lead failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action systems (FRACAS).
Lead nonconformance management, root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives for assembly and integration issues.
Drive system-wide quality initiatives to meet quality and reliability objectives.
Act as the technical interface for customers and regulatory audits related to product quality.
Lead cross-functional teams to solve high-visibility quality issues and drive continual improvement.
Mentor engineers and build a culture of proactive quality ownership across the organization.
Basic
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
8+ years of progressive experience in quality, manufacturing, or engineering for complex mechanical or electromechanical systems
Proven experience leading cross-functional teams to resolve high-visibility quality issues and drive continuous improvement
Strong background in New Product Introduction (NPI) and transitioning products from development to production
Experience with system integration and test for complex applications
Expert knowledge of root cause analysis, failure analysis, reliability testing, and problem-solving methodologies
Working knowledge of quality management system standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar)
Proficiency with advanced quality tools and principles using APQP framework (DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans, etc.)
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and drive improvements in fast-paced environments
Preferred Skills and Experience
Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline
Professional certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Auditor, or Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
Deep understanding of electronics, complex assemblies, system integration, and test
Expertise in reliability modeling and statistical analysis
Experience supporting FRACAS and reliability growth programs
Hands-on experience with Oracle ERP and Quality Management System (QMS) software implementation and execution
Additional
Requirements
Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.
ITAR
Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At Epirus, you’ll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, “impossible” is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules.
For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is:
$139,300 — $160,000 USD
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About Epirus
Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) systems with devastating counter-electronics effects on modern drone threats. The Epirus Leonidas HPM family of products, empowered by innovations in AI and microelectronics, is human safe and cost-effective. Distinguishing itself from lasers, Leonidas excels against drone swarms while also bending the cost curve back in DoD's favor - taking drone defeat costs from millions of dollars per drone to pennies on the dollar.