Quality Engineer

Build the Future of Spaceflight:
Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Where Zero-Defect Manufacturing Meets Mission-Critical Innovation

Location:

Mesa. AZ |

Schedule:

1st shift 8am to 5pm | Pay Rate: $45 - $55

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a pioneering spaceflight organization to identify a Senior Manufacturing Quality Engineer who will play a pivotal role in the assembly and manufacturing of next-generation spacecraft. This is a highly visible, hands‑on leadership role that balances shop floor engagement with deep technical quality engineering expertise .

Approximately 50% of your time will be spent on the production floor , working shoulder‑to‑shoulder with technicians and engineers, and 50% driving quality strategy, analysis, and systemic improvements . Your work will directly impact flight safety, mission success, and the future of space exploration.

As a senior quality leader, you will serve as the manufacturing quality Subject Matter Expert (SME) for composite and metallic spacecraft structures. You will drive a proactive, prevention‑focused quality culture while ensuring flawless execution across fabrication, assembly, and integration operations.

Your day‑to‑day responsibilities will include:

• Serving as the manufacturing quality SME for composite and metallic part fabrication, assembly, and integration
• Splitting time evenly between:
• Shop Floor: Partnering daily with technicians, manufacturing engineers, and leadership to resolve real‑time quality issues and interpret engineering requirements
• Engineering Desk Work: Analyzing quality data, preparing reports, conducting technical reviews, and driving systemic improvements
• Leading the Non‑Conformance Report (NCR) process, including evaluation, collaboration, and dispositioning (use‑as‑is, rework, repair, scrap)
• Facilitating and leading Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations, CAPAs, and Change Approval Boards (CABs)
• Conducting and overseeing First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102
• Reviewing and approving Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs) , inspection plans, and tooling documentation
• Performing detailed engineering drawing reviews , including tolerance stack‑ups and manufacturability assessments
• Applying expert‑level GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to validate design intent and dimensional requirements
• Collaborating closely with design engineering to ensure production readiness and manufacturability
• Promoting a zero‑defect, prevention‑first quality culture

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of manufacturing quality engineering experience in aerospace
• Significant experience supporting spacecraft and/or aircraft assembly
• SME‑level expertise in composite fabrication and metallic manufacturing processes
• Proven experience with:
• FAIs (AS9102)
• NCR dispositioning and MRB decision‑making
• RCCA, CAPA, and CAB leadership
• MWI development and approval
• Engineering drawing reviews
• Strong working knowledge and application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to balance hands‑on floor support and analytical engineering work

• Spacecraft manufacturing or launch vehicle integration experience
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification
• Hands‑on experience with CMMs and advanced metrology systems

• Balanced shop floor and desk‑based leadership
• Composite and metallic process mastery
• Root cause and corrective action expertise
• FAI, MWI, and drawing review proficiency
• GD&T and dimensional control excellence
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality standards

If you’re a senior quality engineering leader who thrives in high‑stakes manufacturing environments and wants to help build spacecraft that push the boundaries of what’s possible,
we want to hear from you .

Partner with PDS Tech Commercial to shape the future of space exploration.

$45.00 to $55.00 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, additional…