Quality Engineer - 3rd Shift
Saab · West Lafayette, IN
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Quality
- Base pay
- $72k–$90k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Aerospace & defense
- Posted
- 8 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level quality role at Saab (aerospace & defense) in West Lafayette, IN. Citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, Internal audits
- Base pay
- $72k–$90k
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Quality Engineer roles in Indiana: typical posted base $98k–$146k. This one lists $72k–$90k.
Median of the low and high ends of 14 live postings that list pay, out of 48 quality engineer openings in Indiana, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Indiana plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 47 other live quality postings in Indiana.
- Base pay
- About 34% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)
Typical $98k–$146k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Root cause 67%
- SPC 46%
- FMEA 42%
- Control plans 40%
- Supplier quality 35%
- New product launch 33%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Internal audits, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at Saab
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
- How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Saab in West Lafayette
4 other open roles at this site.
- Industrial Engineer · Industrial
- Industrial Engineer - 3rd Shift · Industrial
- Production Supervisor, 3rd Shift · Production · Supervisor
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician, Tooling - 3rd Shift · Manufacturing
Full description from SaabAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
requirements
are met.
- ✓Support process development, integrate quality standards into procedures, and train team members on quality principles and systems.
- ✓Foster a people-first culture aligned with Saab’s core values of Trust, Drive, Expertise, and Support.
- ✓Perform additional duties as needed to support operations.
This varies depending on level of experience .
Required Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Business, or a related field.
- ✓Minimum 3 years of engineering experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- ✓Hands-on experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS), testing, inspection, and corrective action methodologies.
- ✓Strong analytical, problem-solving, and change management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
- ✓Excellent communication, collaboration, and team-building skills.
- ✓Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize effectively and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
- ✓Flexibility to work extended or adjusted hours as operational needs require.
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓5+ years of aerospace industry experience.
- ✓Experience working with DCMA and aerospace quality requirements.
- ✓Advanced degree (MBA, M.Sc.) or relevant professional certifications.
- ✓Experience working in an international manufacturing environment.
Citizenship
Requirements
Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Description
As Saab continues to expand its aerospace manufacturing operations in West Lafayette, IN, we are seeking a Quality Engineer to help build and strengthen our Quality function supporting production of the T-7A Red Hawk aft fuselage.
This role will play a key part in developing quality processes, supporting daily production, resolving nonconformances, and driving corrective actions and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings aerospace manufacturing experience, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure we consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements.
may include
- •Implement and maintain Quality Management System (QMS) processes to support site operations and continuous improvement.
- •Provide timely quality support to production, including responding to Andon calls, managing nonconformances, and identifying potential issues through testing and inspection.
- •Lead root cause analysis, risk mitigation, and corrective action initiatives, including driving 8D investigations to timely closure.
- •Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and lead corrective action efforts.
- •Conduct internal audits to ensure process compliance, maturity, and capability across production, customer, and supply chain functions.
- •Collaborate with customers, regulatory agencies (including DCMA), and external auditors to ensure quality and compliance
Drug-Free Workplaces
Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Benefits
Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.
Highlights include
- •Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
- •Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
- •401(k) with employer contributions
- •Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
- •Wellness and employee assistance resources
- •Employee stock purchase opportunities
- •Short-term and long-term disability coverage
About Us
Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.