About this Quality Assurance Engineer role at The Copper River Family of Companies
ReconCraft is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Engineer who leads hands-on testing, trials, and training across ReconCraft’s marine fabrication programs, while supporting the broader QA Program and ISO 9001 Quality Management System. This role spends much of its time in the production facility and on the water, conducting inspections, running builder and customer trials, and training craft workers and teams on quality processes. The QA Engineer also develops curricula courses and delivers training to clients on the proper and efficient operation of their assets. The QA Engineer provides subject matter expertise to program and production teams, partners with the Quality Manager and Executive Management on quality strategy and ensures compliance with contractual quality requirements across multiple concurrent programs.
Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):
Testing, Trials & Training (primary focus)
- Develop, implement, and manage test plans, including documentation, compilation, and preparation of test reports and findings
- Collaborate directly with production crews during fabrication and assembly and integration to identify quality issues early, provide real time guidance, and ensure adherence to QA procedures before trials begin
- Perform static and underway quality inspections of vessels/product throughout production, builder trials, and customer acceptance trials
- Conduct quality indoctrination and core process procedure training for newly hired craft workers
- Develop and deliver training curricula and plans supporting vessel programs and client requirements
- Brief QA, test, and inspection matters at production, project, and customer meetings
Quality Program Management
- Manage and support the company's ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- Ensure strict adherence to approved contract documents across all QA elements
- Read and interpret contracts, statements of work, technical specifications, and fabrication drawings for quality requirements (dimensions, tolerances, critical elements)
- Conduct daily in process quality inspections on boats at all stages of fabrication, assembly, outfitting, and integration on the production floor
- Ensure quality controls are followed during major vessel system installs (electrical, propulsion, hydraulics, electronics, etc.) through hands-on inspection and verification
- Oversee calibration guidelines for tools, equipment, and processes
- Identify and document work discrepancies and conflicts; facilitate non-conformance management, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Develop and implement process improvements, procedures, checklists, and work packages
Customer & Stakeholder Coordination
- Serve as customer point of contact for quality matters, including QA site surveys, inspections, and audits
- Liaise with vendors and suppliers on quality performance and corrective actions
- Support project and program plans in accordance with quality requirements
- Assist in developing quality-related costs for bids and proposals
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and track quality KPIs and operational metrics; recommend efficiency improvements IAW ISO 9001 best practices and procedures
- Analyze program reports, issue trackers, and databases for quality trends, forecasts, and risks
- Provide written and verbal briefings to the Quality Manager and Executive Management as required
- Coordinate with department leads to ensure effectiveness of quality program elements
- Perform other tasks consistent with organizational/contract goals
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Quality Manager or Executive Team
Essential Job Qualifications and Requirements:
- Education and Certifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Construction-related field, or 5 years of relevant marine operational or manufacturing experience in lieu of degree
- Valid driver's license; ability to obtain a passport if not currently held
- Ability to obtain an Oregon Boater's certification/card
- Required Experience and Skills:
- 10 years of fabrication, management, production, or operational experience in marine manufacturing, including a minimum 5 years of military or government vessel operations/maintenance experience
- Ability to read and interpret complex construction documents, including 3D models
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; comfortable working with clients, naval architects, engineers, program managers, vendors, and subcontractors
- Experience leading and developing teams
- Self-motivated, strong time management, and able to perform under tight deadlines
- Ability to develop detailed processes, procedures, plans, and vendor/subcontractor quality requirements
- Strong analytical and computer skills; proficient in MS Office (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word)
- Preferred Qualifications
- Prior QA experience on complex marine projects
- Familiarity with project delivery and acceptance criteria in a government contracting environment
- Current USCG Master License (any tonnage)
- Working Conditions
- Ability to participate in inspections, tests, and trials across varying-accessibility environments
- Ability to function in a shop environment, including standing, sitting, stooping, and squatting for extended periods
About Copper River & The Native Village of Eyak:
Owned by the Native Village of Eyak (NVE), a federally recognized Alaska Native Tribe, the Copper River Family of Companies are a collection of entities that deliver a complementary set of solutions and services to support the diverse missions and requirements of our clients. Proud participants of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program since 2006, our companies consist of both current and graduation SBA 8(a) entities. It is our collective purpose to support the Tribe and diversify the NVE’s ability to facilitate economic advancement.
The income generated from our companies helps the Native Village of Eyak fund health and social services, economic development, natural resource/environmental education, jobs, job training, and other benefits to the NVE in a manner that is consistent with Alaskan Native cultural values and traditions.
Copper River’s Culture
The Copper River Family of Companies has a positive, supportive, and thriving culture. At the foundation of our culture is a focus on collaboration. No matter your role or which operating company you work for, we are ONE TEAM working toward the same goals for our customers and for our collective owner- The Native Village of Eyak. How we treat each other is just as important as the work we deliver.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
- Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
- Retirement 401(k) with employer match
- Open leave policy and paid holidays
- Additional benefits including tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!
Note: These benefits are only applicable to full time, regular associates at Copper River.
Disclaimer:
The Copper River Family of Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
