Quality Specialist

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost. This position is located at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX north of Austin, TX.

SUMMARY:

Quality Assurance owns the processes and tools by which Firefly identifies, contains, eliminates, and prevents non-conformances. Quality is charged with defining and maintaining the processes and tools which prove product capabilities meet requirements and result in a predictably economical and reliable product.

The Firefly Quality Specialist is responsible for inspection and acceptance of qualification and flight hardware and software products and improving the processes that support these functions. They are responsible for containment, root cause analysis, and corrective actions - in addition to periodic auditing - to ensure products are reliable and economical. Driving processes that verify that all key performance and design characteristics are met prior to launch, Quality Specialists play a critical role in ensuring mission success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with design engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure production processes are established with the appropriate controls for accurate and efficient product assurance.
• Develop and execute detailed inspection programs which assure adherence to design and specification requirements.
• Perform inspections on launch vehicle/spacecraft piece parts, components, and sub-assemblies as needed.
• Generate accurate records for traceability and pedigree of customer-deliverable products, including records of First Article Inspection.
• Lead and support Quality Inspectors in workflow priority, inspection process efficiency, and best practice inspection methodologies.
• Maintain tool control and calibration processes within assigned work center - including validation of metrology systems.
• Document non-conformances in accordance with prescribed procedures and process as required.
• Collect, track, and trend data on first pass yield and non-conformance issues, performing basic statistical analysis on variable data.
• Execute quarantine plans to identify, control, and disposition all affected non-conforming product.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate and resolve non-conformance or quality issues, including development and implementation of robust corrective actions to prevent reoccurrences.
• Track and report process and product assurance escapes.
• Participate in technical operations and offer guidance and/or serve as an additional technical resource.
• Initiate and execute plans to improve product quality, inspection efficiency, process repeatability, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Apply 5S workplace organization & follow the Lean initiatives.
• Support manufacturing compliance to customer and internal specifications to meet contractual and mission requirements.
• Continuously improve Firefly Quality Management System though conducting periodic audits and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage core AS9100 requirements with the flexibility Firefly needs for success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in an aerospace, military, or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read technical information, follow technical instructions, and understand: technical drawings, specifications, GD&T, and related quality control documentation and standards.
• Demonstrated experience applying quality assurance principles, methods, and processes - including inspection techniques, equipment, and tools used in quality control.
• Demonstrated experience with application of aerospace quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
• Flexibility regarding workflow and process.
• Excellent organization skills. Willingness to work with a team, share expertise, and follow instructions to accomplish established goals.

Desired

• Associate degree or higher in quality, engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in an aerospace, military, or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with standards and/or equivalent quality, military, or government standards in the aerospace industry.
• Comprehensive understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, materials, and specifications.
• Familiarity with structures/composites, electrical/avionics, and fluids/propulsion disciplines.
• Full capability to read and understand blueprints, drawings GD&T, and Model-Based Definitions.
• Demonstrated experience leading application of aerospace quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status