The Opportunity

Quality at Firestorm isn't a policing function - it's a competitive advantage. We're looking for a Senior Quality Engineer who understands the difference and wants to build something from the ground up. There is no inherited QMS to maintain, no entrenched process to defend. You'll establish the quality foundation for xCell - from supplier inputs through manufacturing execution - and you'll do it on a team that sees quality as everyone's job, not just yours.

You are someone who is energized by root cause analysis, not intimidated by it. You can also sit across from a supplier and drive accountability and then turn around and work shoulder to shoulder with our engineering and manufacturing teams to make sure the fix actually sticks. If you've spent you career closing loops and making things better, keep reading.

What You'll Do

• Root cause and corrective action (RCCA) - this is the core of the role. You'll lead structured investigations on internal manufacturing escapes and supplier nonconformances, drive corrective actions to closure, and ensure lessons learned actually change how we operate
• Supplier quality - you'll be our primary interface with suppliers on quality issues, from nonconforming material disposition through corrective action follow-up and ongoing supplier performance monitoring
• In-process and final inspection - develop and maintain inspection criteria, work instructions, and acceptance standards that keep pace with our evolving product line
• Nonconforming material (NCMR) management - own the process from identification through disposition, including MRB participation
• Process quality - work alongside engineering and manufacturing to ensure quality is designed in, not inspected in; support NPI and ECO implementation with a quality lens
• QMS foundation - contribute to building a quality management system that will ultimately serve all of Firestorm, not just xCell
• Metrics and reporting - define the quality indicators that matter, track them, and use them to drive improvement
• Collaborate with production supervisors and operators to resolve in-process quality escapes and minimize defect rates.
• Develop, review, and maintain process control plans, control charts, and statistical process control (SPC) metrics as needed.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, variation sources, and improvement opportunities; drive data-driven decision making.
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, rework, and scrap in alignment with continuous improvement goals.
• Support customer source inspections and third-party audits as required.
• You may need to travel up to 20%, if the need arises.
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related discipline) or in lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years' experience of relative experience.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• 5+ years of progressive quality engineering experience in an aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Continuous Improvement (CI) tools and methodologies
• Experience working within an AS9100 or equivalent quality management system.
• Experience with inspection tools and measurement techniques (i.e. CMM, GD&T interpretation, and/or calibration practices).
• Experience conducting or supporting root cause analysis (RCCA) using structured methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and/or GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with statistical quality tools: i.e. SPC, Cpk/Ppk, MSA, and/or control charts.

Preferred Qualifications

• AS9100 Lead Auditor certification or internal auditor training.
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT).
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification or equivalent CI methodologies and tools
• Experience with FMEA, control plans, PPAP and/or APQP methodologies.
• Experience supporting DCMA, FAA, or other regulatory audits.
• Familiarity with inspection requirements and challenges associated with additive manufacturing, including complex geometries and unique acceptance criteria.

Work Environment

• Based at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating. Relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.

Compensation

US Salary Range: $130-170k USD

The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.

Why This Role, Why Now

xCell is at an inflection point. Fielded systems, real customers, and an aggressive development roadmap mean quality matters more every day. The person who takes this role will build the quality foundation that scales with us, and they'll have the autonomy and organizational support to do it right.

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• Equity grants for new hires
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• Accident insurance
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

Export Control Compliance

To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.