Sr. Field Service Quality Engineer

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. JOB OVERVIEW We are seeking an experienced and technically driven Senior Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives supporting the manufacturing, integration, and delivery of complex electro-mechanical systems for autonomous surface vessels (ASVs). This role requires deep technical judgment, a strong understanding of design intent, structural integrity, and manufacturing processes, and extensive experience in root cause analysis, nonconformance management, and production support. As a senior member of the Quality team, you will serve as a technical authority on the production and integration floor, driving risk-based quality decisions, resolving complex technical issues, and partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure product integrity and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced environment, influencing cross-functional teams, and balancing quality, safety, performance, and delivery requirements without compromising engineering standards. RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead Manufacturing Quality: Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality assurance processes, inspection strategies, and manufacturing controls. Serve as a senior quality representative on the production and integration floor, providing technical guidance and ensuring adherence to engineering requirements and quality standards. - Drive Nonconformance Management: Lead the evaluation and resolution of complex nonconformances, providing in-process disposition recommendations and approvals within delegated authority. Ensure dispositions align with design intent, drawing requirements, engineering specifications, and applicable standards. Coordinate with Engineering and Manufacturing to resolve issues efficiently and prevent recurrence. - Lead Root Cause and Corrective Action: Facilitate complex root cause investigations using structured problem-solving methodologies. Drive corrective and preventive actions, validate their effectiveness, and identify systemic opportunities to improve product quality and manufacturing performance. - Establish Inspection Standards: Develop and maintain clear, repeatable inspection plans, acceptance criteria, and quality checkpoints for Quality Inspectors and production teams. Provide technical mentorship to inspectors and technicians to ensure consistent application of quality requirements. - Partner with Engineering: Review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and bills of materials to assess manufacturability, inspection requirements, and compliance with design intent. Collaborate with Design and Manufacturing Engineering to resolve technical issues and support Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Design Change Orders (DCOs). - Improve Quality Systems and Processes: Identify opportunities to strengthen manufacturing controls, reduce defects, improve first-pass yield, and minimize rework and scrap. Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product reliability, process capability, and production efficiency. - Analyze Quality Performance: Establish and monitor key quality metrics, including defect rates, nonconformance trends, rework, scrap, and corrective action effectiveness. Translate data into actionable recommendations and communicate findings, risks, and improvement plans to cross-functional stakeholders. - Manage Quality Risk: Evaluate product and process risks, prioritize quality issues based on safety, performance, reliability, and customer impact, and drive timely resolution of issues that could affect production readiness or customer delivery. - Provide Technical Leadership: Serve as a subject matter expert for manufacturing quality and nonconformance resolution. Mentor Quality Engineers, inspectors, and production personnel while promoting a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and quality ownership across the organization. - Support Quality Compliance: Ensure manufacturing and inspection activities comply with applicable internal quality requirements, customer specifications, and industry standards. Contribute to the development and improvement of quality procedures, work instructions, and documentation. QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Ocean, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. - 5+ years of relevant engineering experience, with demonstrated experience in quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or production support. - Experience supporting complex electro-mechanical assemblies, integrated systems, or precision manufacturing environments. - Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, GD&T, dimensional inspection, and product acceptance requirements. - Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis, nonconformance management, corrective and preventive action (CAPA), and structured problem-solving methodologies. - Experience developing inspection plans, defining acceptance criteria, and making risk-based quality decisions. - Ability to interpret engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and bills of materials to evaluate product conformity and support technical issue resolution. - Experience collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve complex production issues. - Strong analytical, communication, and technical documentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive issues to resolution. - Experience in aerospace, defense, maritime, or other highly regulated engineering environments is highly desirable. - Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, and other applicable quality management system requirements is a plus. - Experience mentoring engineers or inspectors and leading cross-functional quality improvement initiatives is preferred. 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.