Principal Quality Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-04-21

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-CHARLOTTESVILLE-1180 ~ 1180 Seminole Trl ~ SEMINOLE

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. 

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

What You Will Do

The Quality Engineer supports the site Quality Management System (QMS), ensures product and process compliance, and provides technical expertise across the manufacturing value stream. This role partners with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality teams to improve processes, reduce defects, prevent escapes, and strengthen compliance to requirements. The Quality Engineer leads investigations, supports MRB, provides training, evaluates processes, drives continuous improvement, and mentors Quality Technicians to elevate overall quality performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor product and process compliance to requirements and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Coordinate with Product and Process Manufacturing Engineers (MEs) to clarify and maintain product/process requirements.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and hardware to confirm compliance with specifications, drawings, and QMS requirements.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to improve part quality signature and reduce variability.
• Support day‑to‑day manufacturing activities, including review and approval of work instructions, PARs, and First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Coordinate with Manufacturing to define inspection plans and analyze data across the manufacturing value stream.
• Improve manufacturing, assembly, inspection, and test processes to reduce defects and prevent customer escapes.
• Provide quality engineering support to operations teams through interpretation of requirements and process approvals.
• Lead and support internal and external quality audits.
• Provide technical expertise on nonconforming material and support MRB activities, including quality notifications requiring customer approval for dispositions.
• Lead or support root cause analysis and implement robust corrective and preventive actions.
• Use continuous improvement tools and lean principles to investigate noncompliance issues and drive lasting improvements.
• Define and implement quality improvement plans that support business objectives including Quality, CORE, and Financial metrics.
• Lead process improvement opportunities using CORE and Lean strategies to enhance quality and reduce inspection costs.
• Act as Customer Liaison, participate in Market Feedback Analysis (MFA), and ensure accurate, on‑time submission of shipment data.
• Mentor Quality Technicians and assist in closing skills and process gaps.
• Develop and deliver technical training to inspection and operations teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve team capability and strengthen process discipline.
• Coordinate with operations, engineering, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure process alignment and compliance.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field or equivalent and 8 years of experience in quality engineering within a manufacturing environment; aerospace, or related field
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, GD&T, process validations, and quality tools.
• Strong understanding of QMS requirements, manufacturing processes, and inspection methods.
• Certified Quality Engineer or other similar certifications
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and inspection requirements.
• Experience supporting or leading audits (internal or external).
• Proficiency with data analysis, metrics, and quality software systems (e.g., QMS, ERP, SPC tools).

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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