Hardware Quality Assurance Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Systems and Operations Assurance Department provides expertise in Quality Engineering for activities associated with the design, manufacturing, integration, and testing of space systems hardware. We’re looking for motivated candidates to join our high-performing and collaborative team to help evolve our capabilities to meet the technical challenges of tomorrow. The position requires a solid understanding of QA requirements and the flexibility to apply fundamental Quality Engineering skills and concepts across a typical program lifecycle.

Work Model: This position is full-time on-site required.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Apply fundamental Quality Engineering expertise and concepts across a full program lifecycle

• Identify and evaluate risks, trade-offs, and mitigation plans for tailored QA requirements

• Employ a rigorous and methodical approach to problem-solving and root cause analysis

• Participate in gated design and hardware production readiness reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, PSR) providing technical assessments and recommendations to customers

• Participate in hardware Failure Review Boards providing risk assessments, reach across evaluations and recommendations to customers

• Perform electronic hardware mandatory inspections at prime contractors and sub-tier suppliers/subcontractors

• Perform independent pedigree, End Item Data Package and Hardware Acceptance reviews

• Develop and execute process and product assessments and audits beginning with audit/assessment planning through verification of corrective and/or preventive actions

• Deliver independent, data-driven technical advice and feedback to management and customers through effective, compelling verbal and written communication

• Travel to customer and/or government facilities while representing the company and department in a professional manner

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for an Engineering Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field in science

• 10 years of technical experience as a quality or manufacturing Engineer in aerospace-related manufacturing

• Experience with QMS standards including ISO 9001 and/or AS9100

• Experience with workmanship standards including IPC J-STD-001 and NASA 8739.x series

• Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors to resolve technical issues

• Experience performing audits and participating on Independent Review Teams (IRTs)

• Familiarity with industry compliance standards and contract flow down

• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and nonconformance reports

• Ability to travel to contractor and/or government facilities (estimated 30% of time on travel)

• This position requires a current and active TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience contributing to program reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, and PSR

• Experience contributing to anomaly and failure investigations including MRB and FRB

• Experience planning and conducting AS9100 QMS audits

• Experience performing root cause analysis

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Mid - Max)

$103,000 - $123,250 - $143,200

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.