Quality Engineer

About Us:

Founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous operational improvement and extraordinary customer service, we at Pursuit Aerospace pride ourselves on competitive cost structures, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality.

The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with our customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry-leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers.

About the Opportunity:

We're looking for a Quality Engineer to join our team at Pursuit - Larson Forgings in Chicago, IL.

This site generates approximately $40 million in annual revenue and plays a critical role in our ability to deliver seamless, open-die ring-rolled forgings for aerospace applications.

In this role, you'll be responsible for driving quality excellence across manufacturing operations, with hands-on ownership of process controls, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. You'll collaborate closely with operations, engineering, and customer teams to ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards, reduce escapes and rework, and continuously improve product integrity.

At Pursuit Aerospace, we value problem-solvers with a proactive mindset-those who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about making things better. If you're a detail-oriented quality professional who takes pride in helping teams solve tough problems and get things right the first time, this could be the right next step for you.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with applicable aerospace industry standards and customer-specific quality requirements, including AS9100, ISO 9001, AMS specifications, and NADCAP.
• Develop, implement, and sustain quality management systems, procedures, and records in support of both operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and support internal audits, customer audits, and third-party assessments; develop and execute effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Drive root cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools (e.g., 5 Whys, 8D, fishbone analysis) to resolve non-conformances and prevent recurrence.
• Prepare and submit First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs), PPAP packages, and related quality documentation to customers and end users.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts by contributing to APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and process flow documentation.
• Inspect incoming raw materials, in-process components, and final products to ensure they meet engineering and customer specifications.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Kaizen, waste reduction, process optimization) to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and suppliers to improve process capability and product conformance.
• Assist in the qualification and monitoring of suppliers to ensure ongoing compliance with quality and performance standards.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in a technical field
• 3+ years of experience in quality engineering or quality assurance within a manufacturing environment - aerospace preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time bases without sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis.
• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with aerospace manufacturing processes, especially forging or ring rolling
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flows
• Familiarity with NADCAP requirements and audit processes
• Experience preparing First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) in accordance with AS9102
• Formal training or certification in root cause analysis and problem-solving tools (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
• Internal auditor certification (e.g., AS9100 or ISO 9001)
• Proficiency with quality software tools (e.g., Minitab, SPC systems, ERP/QMS platforms)
• Kaizen continuous improvement methods
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools: Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Working Conditions:

• This role requires up to 5% travel, including visits to other company sites, suppliers, or industry events as needed.
• Working conditions typically include both office and shop floor environments.
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses and safety shoes) is required on the shop floor.
• Lifting up to 20-30 lbs. may be occasionally required.
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate priorities, deadlines, and schedules.

Compensation & Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package, including health and disability insurance, employer-funded retirement contribution, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.

Must be willing and able to work onsite full-time in Chicago, IL. This position is eligible for relocation.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Pursuit Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, and we do not tolerate workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.