Quality Engineer – Continuous Improvement & Operational Risk

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. Role Overview The Saronic Quality Team is seeking a Quality Engineer to support and drive cross-functional Quality initiatives, including operational risk management, continuous improvement, Quality systems and performance reporting across the organization. A key focus of this role is driving the operational risk management process, including coordinating risk identification, maintaining risk visibility, tracking mitigation activities and working cross-functionally to ensure risks are appropriately managed and closed. The role will also support Quality improvement initiatives, systems and analytics by translating leadership requirements into actionable work, coordinating with responsible teams and driving initiatives through planning, execution and completion. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical and proactive, with strong problem-solving, communication and cross-functional coordination skills. Key Responsibilities Operational Risk Management - Support and drive the operational risk management process, including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, monitoring and closure. - Coordinate with functional teams to identify and evaluate risks, establish ownership, mitigation plans and target dates. - Maintain the operational risk register, ensuring information remains accurate, current and actionable. - Proactively follow up with risk owners to monitor mitigation progress, address overdue actions and drive closure. - Organize and facilitate risk reviews, communicating significant risks, trends, emerging concerns and required decisions to leadership. - Coordinate risk reporting and metrics while identifying opportunities to improve risk management processes and tools. Quality Engineering & Continuous Improvement - Support Quality engineering initiatives and improvement projects across Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain and other functional areas. - Support and facilitate root-cause investigations, corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives to address Quality issues, recurring nonconformances and process deficiencies. - Support corrective actions and coordinate cross-functional process improvements through implementation and verification. - Identify opportunities to improve Quality workflows, controls and operational efficiency. - Support additional Quality projects and initiatives as organizational needs evolve. Quality Analytics & Reporting Coordination - Gather, define and document Quality leadership requirements for dashboards, KPIs, analytics and reporting tools. - Engage responsible technical teams to review requirements, establish priorities, develop execution plans and schedules. - Coordinate and track implementation progress, resolving dependencies, communicating obstacles and driving timely completion. - Facilitate stakeholder review and validation of completed reporting solutions to ensure requirements are met. - Identify and communicate reporting gaps, data limitations and opportunities for improvement. Quality Systems & Process Support - Support the implementation and continuous improvement of Quality systems, tools and processes. - Coordinate with functional and technical teams to define requirements, prioritize enhancements and track implementation. - Support the development and maintenance of procedures, work instructions and training materials. - Support ISO 9001 compliance, certification readiness and ongoing maintenance activities, as well as other applicable regulatory and Quality Management System requirements, as needed. Work Management & Accountability - Maintain assigned activities within established intake and work management systems, ensuring status, priorities, target dates, dependencies and next actions remain current. - Proactively engage stakeholders to obtain inputs, resolve blockers and maintain progress on assigned initiatives. - Communicate progress, risks and delays clearly, including impacts and recommended next steps. - Demonstrate ownership and accountability for driving assigned initiatives through completion, validation and documentation. Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering or related technical field. - 3+ years of experience in Quality Engineering, manufacturing engineering, process improvement or related manufacturing functions. - Experience supporting Quality processes, risk management, corrective actions or continuous improvement initiatives. - Ability to gather and communicate requirements, coordinate cross-functional teams and drive initiatives through completion. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational and communication skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and proactively identify and resolve obstacles. Preferred Qualifications - Experience with operational risk management programs, risk registers and mitigation tracking. - Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100 or similar Quality Management System standards. - Experience coordinating Quality dashboards, KPIs, analytics or reporting initiatives. - Familiarity with Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting tools. - Experience with ERP, MES, PLM or Quality Management Systems. - Experience with root-cause analysis, corrective actions and continuous improvement. - Experience in high-mix, low-volume, complex manufacturing or aerospace and defense environments. Key Competencies - Operational risk management - Quality engineering and continuous improvement - Requirements gathering and coordination - Cross-functional planning and execution - Analytical thinking and problem-solving - Organization, prioritization and accountability - Clear communication and stakeholder engagement PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) BENEFITS Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.