Role description
NPI Quality Engineer - Naval
Saronic TechnologiesSaronic 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 – Naval 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
Partner with Naval Architects to ensure vessel hull forms, arrangements, structures, and mechanical systems meet product requirements
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 Ocean Engineering, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
2+ years in maritime, defense, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems
Basic fundamentals in core naval architecture principles, includingship design, stability, structures, propulsion, and hydrodynamics
Strong knowledge of: PFMEA / DFMEA , control plans, inspection planning & metrology, root cause analysis methodologies
Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar QMS standards
Basic proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, NX, etc.)
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.