Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field (exceptional equivalent experience considered)
7+ years of quality engineering experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or another high-reliability manufacturing environment
Engineering-driven approach to problem solving, with hands-on technical work beyond inspection
Working knowledge of AS9100, IATF 16949, or comparable quality standards
Hands-on experience with NCR and CAPA systems, AS9102 first article inspection, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA, and control plans
Experience applying SPC and data analysis in higher-volume production
Responsibilities
Build and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and records for inspection and nonconformance
Design inspection methods, including acceptance criteria and hold points for high-rate builds
Manage the nonconformance process and lead corrective and preventive actions
Apply statistical process control to production and supplier data for early drift detection
Contribute to DFMEA and PFMEA reviews and integrate results into control plans
Plan and run first article inspections under AS9102 and approve resulting packages
Track quality metrics, report on performance trends, and prioritize improvements
Benefits
Opportunity to shape quality management in a growing defense company
Hands-on role with close collaboration across manufacturing, design, and supply chain teams
Path to broader leadership as the quality function expands
Engagement in high-rate production environments
Work in a venture-backed startup atmosphere with potential for rapid growth
Full Job Description
Senior Quality Engineer | Build the Quality System Behind High-Rate Air Defense Production
Gardena, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A Series A, venture-backed defense company building low-cost air defense systems is adding a senior quality engineer to shape how quality is managed as production moves well beyond prototype volumes. You will own the working mechanics of the quality system, from inspection planning and nonconformance handling to supplier oversight and first article approvals, and bring a data-driven, high-volume mindset to a team that builds complete systems in house.
This is a hands-on engineering seat close to the build. You will work every day with manufacturing, design, test and supply chain teammates, and you will report into the quality lead with a path to broader leadership as the function grows.
Job Duties
Build and maintain the quality procedures, work instructions and records that govern inspection, nonconformance, corrective action and first article work
Design receiving, in-process and final inspection methods, including acceptance criteria and hold points suited to high-rate builds
Manage the nonconformance process from end to end and lead corrective and preventive actions using structured root cause methods
Apply statistical process control to production and supplier data to catch drift early and drive process improvement
Contribute to DFMEA and PFMEA reviews and carry the results into control plans, inspection plans and work instructions
Plan and run first article inspections under AS9102 and approve the resulting packages
Evaluate acceptance test results and engineering changes for their effect on product quality
Support supplier quality through certificate review, supplier nonconformance disposition and corrective action requests
Track quality metrics, report on performance trends and help the team prioritize improvements
Serve as an internal auditor and help keep the quality system audit-ready as the company scales
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing or a related technical field (exceptional equivalent experience considered)
7+ years of quality engineering experience in aerospace, defense, automotive or another high-reliability manufacturing environment
Engineering-driven approach to problem solving, backed by hands-on technical work beyond inspection alone
Working knowledge of AS9100, IATF 16949 or comparable quality standards
Hands-on experience with NCR and CAPA systems, AS9102 first article inspection and GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
Experience with DFMEA, PFMEA and control plans
Experience applying SPC and data analysis in higher-volume production
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
Internal auditor qualification, or willingness to obtain it
U.S. person as defined by ITAR
Preferred Experience
Quality ownership on complete system builds at volume (thousands of units) in aerospace, defense, automotive or similar industries
Time at a fast-moving startup or high-growth hardware company
Supplier quality background, including supplier audits and corrective action programs
Standing up or significantly maturing parts of an AS9100 or similar quality management system
