NPI Quality Engineer - Mechanical

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.

Position Overview: The New Product Introduction (NPI) Quality Engineer – Mechanical is responsible for ensuring that new products are designed, developed, and launched in compliance with quality standards and regulatory/stakeholder requirements. This role drives risk-based quality planning, ensuring that outputs from design and process development are effectively translated into control plans and inspection strategies to support scalable, repeatable manufacturing.

The NPI Quality Engineer partners cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Supplier Quality to proactively identify risks, implement controls, and ensure strong product realization from prototype through production.

Key Responsibilities

NPI Quality Planning & Execution

Lead quality activities throughout the NPI lifecycle

Develop and maintain Quality plans aligned with program milestones

Use best practices with regards to compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 requirements during product introduction

Participate in design reviews, gate reviews, first article builds, engineering change reviews, and readiness assessments

Risk Management & FMEA

Lead or participate in Design FMEA (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA) activities

Identify critical risks related to product performance, manufacturing process, supplier capability, customer requirements, and regulatory requirements

Drive risk mitigation actions and track closure

Ensure PFMEA outputs are actionable and aligned with real production conditions

Product and Process Validation

Define and execute Product and Process Validation activities where applicable

Drive closure of design, manufacturing, supplier, and test-related quality issues before production release

Verify that all critical characteristics are adequately controlled

Establish First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements

Implement preventative actions to improve product reliability and manufacturability

Supplier Quality Integration

Collaborate with Supplier Quality to:

Flow down requirements to suppliers

Ensure supplier inspection and validation aligns with internal requirements

Support supplier qualification and processes

Nonconformance & Continuous Improvement

Support MRB activities during NPI builds and early production

Drive root cause analysis using structured methods across design, supplier, manufacturing, and field issues

Feed lessons learned and continuous improvement activities back into development programs

Documentation & QMS Integration

Help develop and maintain DFMEA/PFMEA, control plans, inspection plans, and quality procedures

Ensure documentation is controlled within the QMS system

Support internal and external audits related to NPI activities

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

3+ years in automotive, aerospace, defense, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems

Strong knowledge of: PFMEA / DFMEA , control plans, inspection planning & metrology, root cause analysis methodologies

Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar QMS standards

Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret GD&T

Preferred Qualifications

Involvement in both small and large scale NPI / product lifecycle activities

Familiarity with ASME Codes and Standards

Experience working in integration/production environments

Hands-on experience with MRB and nonconformance systems

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

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) .

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.