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. 

Your Impact 

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. 

What You’ll Do 

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 

Required Qualifications 

• 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 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Spacecraft manufacturing or launch vehicle integration experience 

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification 

• Hands-on experience with CMMs and advanced metrology systems 
   

Key Competencies for Success 

• 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 

Ready to Make Your Mark in Spaceflight? 

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. 

Apply today and partner with PDS Tech Commercial to shape the future of space exploration. 
 

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