Job Information
Safran Sr. Quality Engineer in Rockford, Illinois
Sr. Quality Engineer
Job details
General information
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
Reference number
2026-177035
Job details
Domain
Programs / Customer Relations
Job field / Job profile
Quality - Supplier quality assurance
Job title
Sr. Quality Engineer
Employment type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
Job Summary
The Senior Quality Engineer serves as the primary quality leader for assigned programs within Safran's Actuation business. This role is responsible for ensuring quality performance across the full product lifecycle, acting as the key interface between customers and internal teams to drive compliance, performance, and continuous improvement.
In the context of Safran's recent acquisition of the Actuation business, this position will play a critical role in supporting product transfers, industrial integration, and operational stabilization, ensuring quality standards are maintained and strengthened throughout transformation activities.
Key Responsibilities
• Serve as the primary quality interface for assigned programs, representing the organization in customer interactions, reviews, and escalations
• Ensure customer and regulatory requirements are clearly understood, flowed down, and effectively implemented across the organization
• Monitor and drive program-level quality performance, including defect reduction, escape prevention, and customer satisfaction
• Lead quality-related communication with customers, including:
o Quality reviews
o Issue resolution
o Corrective action follow-up
• Translate customer requirements into actionable quality processes and ensure adherence across functions
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality management systems and industry standards
• Lead and facilitate root cause and corrective action (RCCA) activities for quality issues
• Drive timely containment, corrective actions, and validation of effectiveness
• Identify systemic issues and implement sustainable process improvements
• Promote use of structured problem-solving methodologies across the organization
• Support quality activities throughout product development and industrialization, including:
o Design reviews
o Risk identification (e.g., FMEA)
o Validation and test planning
• Ensure manufacturing and test processes are robust, repeatable, and aligned with customer expectations
• Support product and industrial transfer activities associated with Actuation integration into Safran
• Ensure quality risks are identified and mitigated during transfers, including:
o Process validation
o First article inspections
o Production readiness
• Drive alignment of quality standards, processes, and best practices across sites
• Partner closely with engineering, operations, supply chain, and program management to drive quality outcomes
• Provide guidance and expertise to internal teams on quality standards, tools, and best practices
• Support internal and external audit activities and ensure closure of findings
Travel- 10%
Candidate skills & requirements
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field
• Minimum of 8+ years' experience in Quality engineering, manufacturing, or aerospace environments
• Strong experience in root cause analysis, corrective action, and quality systems
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence outcomes
Preferred
• Experience in aerospace systems, actuation, or electromechanical products
• Experience supporting industrial transfers, new product introduction, or business integration efforts
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., AS9100) and audit processes
• ASQ, Lean, Six Sigma, or auditor certifications
Skills &Competencies
Quality Leadership
• Ability to lead quality performance at a program level and drive accountability across teams
• Strong ownership mindset with focus on delivering measurable results
Technical & Analytical Skills
• Deep understanding of quality tools and methodologies (RCCA, FMEA, SPC, etc.)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Communication & Influence
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage both technical teams and customers
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive alignment
Adaptability & Execution
• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, transforming environment
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
Annual salary
$90,000 - $110,000
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, Illinois
City (-ies)
4747 Harrison Ave, M/S 298-6 61108 Rockford
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years
ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency
Yes