Job Title

Quality Engineer – Defense Programs (Contract)

Location

Onsite – [Goleta CA]

Clearance Requirement

Active Secret Clearance required (must be current at time of hire)

Compensation

$65 – $78 per hour (based on experience and qualifications) + health, dental, vision, disability benefits offered

Primary Mission

Provide Quality Engineering support to classified defense programs, with a focus on ensuring compliance with internal and customer quality requirements, supporting program development, design, test, and production efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality planning to administer customer and internal quality requirements for program teams and supply base
• Create and execute First Article Inspection (FAI) plans, ensuring timely completion and compliance with industry standards
• Engage with engineering teams during development, design, and testing phases to verify quality requirements and ensure program compliance
• Provide onsite support for hardware review, non-conforming material (NCM) disposition, and material quality decisions
• Collaborate with cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to support design reviews, test requirements, and verification processes
• Provide factory support for process reviews, customer source inspections, and quality-related audits
• Flow down quality requirements to suppliers and monitor supplier adherence
• Support classified programs with on-site presence as needed, adhering to security protocols and clearance requirements

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance (mandatory)
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Quality Engineering or Operations in a defense, aerospace, or highly regulated industry
• Hands-on experience supporting engineering development, material acquisition, production, testing, and product acceptance
• Familiarity with FAI planning and execution, supplier quality processes, and non-conformance management

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the infrared industry, semiconductor processing, or Department of Defense programs
• Prior experience supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) or similar government customers
• Knowledge of DoD and aerospace quality standards (AS9100, MIL standards, etc.)
• Experience with classified programs and the ability to work within secure facilities

Success Metrics

• Completion of discrete deliverables such as FAI planning, execution, and reporting
• Positive feedback from Integrated Product Teams regarding effective flowdown and implementation of quality requirements
• Effective factory support for process reviews, customer source inspections, and non-conformance dispositions
• Demonstrated ability to maintain compliance with program requirements while meeting schedule and cost objectives

Work Environment & Culture

• Collaborative team setting that emphasizes clear communication, accountability, and cross-functional alignment
• Work closely with engineers, supply chain, and program leadership to ensure successful program execution
• Must be able to operate effectively in a classified environment, maintaining attention to detail and strict adherence to security protocols