Aerospace Quality Engineer (QE) – Space Flight Hardware

We are seeking an experienced Aerospace Quality Engineer (QE) to provide resident quality assurance support for satellite communications hardware used in spaceflight applications. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience supporting aerospace flight hardware, preferably on NASA programs, and a strong understanding of workmanship standards, hardware fabrication and assembly, testing, nonconformance management, and quality assurance documentation.

This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented quality professional who can independently identify potential quality issues, evaluate discrepancies, ensure procedural and documentation compliance, and work collaboratively with engineering, manufacturing, test teams, and government quality representatives.

Candidates must have current or prior NASA workmanship certifications, as outlined below, unless they qualify for the Radio Frequency (RF) subject-matter expert exception.

• Demonstrated experience as an Aerospace Quality Engineer supporting satellite systems, spacecraft, or other spaceflight hardware.
• Experience providing quality assurance oversight for the fabrication, assembly, inspection, and testing of flight hardware.
• Current or previous NASA workmanship certifications in the applicable standards, including:
  • NASA-STD-8739.1
  • NASA-STD-8739.4
  • J-STD workmanship/soldering standards, as applicable to the program
  • Strong knowledge of aerospace quality assurance processes, nonconformance reporting, corrective actions, and Material Review Board (MRB) activities.
  • Ability to review and assess work orders, procedures, test plans, inspection records, nonconformance reports, and shipping documentation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare formal quality assessments and communicate findings to project stakeholders.
  • Ability to work on-site in San Diego, California, and provide resident support as required.

  Certification exception: Candidates with demonstrated subject-matter expertise in RF products or processes may be considered without current or previous NASA workmanship certifications. RF expertise must be directly relevant to the hardware or processes being supported.

• Previous experience supporting NASA satellite programs or other government spaceflight missions.
• Experience with satellite communication hardware, including RF systems, Ka-Band, S-Band, or related technologies.
• Familiarity with Government Mandatory Inspection Points (GMIPs), NASA quality surveillance, contractor audits, and government acceptance processes.
• Experience reviewing aerospace manufacturing documentation, work orders, inspection records, test procedures, and nonconformance dispositions.
• Experience with electrostatic discharge (ESD) controls and handling of sensitive electronic flight hardware.
• Ability to work independently in a resident quality assurance role while collaborating effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and program personnel.