Quality Engineer
Job Title: Quality Engineer
Job Type: Contract, Full time (12 months)
Location: Mesa, AZ
Schedule: 1st shift, 8 am to 5pm
Pay Rate: $60-$65
We are seeking a Senior Level Manufacturing Quality Engineer to provide both hands-on shop floor support and desk-based quality engineering leadership for spacecraft assembly and manufacturing operations. This role will be approximately 50% on the production floor working directly with technicians, engineers, and leadership, and 50% in an engineering capacity performing data analysis, documentation reviews, and root cause investigations. The ideal candidate is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in composite and metallic structures with extensive aerospace manufacturing experience. They will have proven capability in Non-Conformance (NCR) dispositioning, Root Cause & Corrective Action (RCCA) leadership, First Article Inspections (FAIs), Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs), drawing reviews, and expert-level GD&T application. This role is critical to ensuring zero-defect manufacturing and supporting the build of next-generation spacecraft.
Key Responsibilities • Serve as the manufacturing quality SME for composite and metallic part fabrication, assembly, and integration of spacecraft and/or aircraft. • Split time 50:50 between shop floor and desk-based work: o On the floor: Engage daily with assembly and manufacturing teams to resolve quality issues, advise on engineering requirements, and drive real-time solutions. o At the desk: Lead technical reviews, analyze quality data, prepare reports, and drive systemic improvements. • Lead and manage the NCR process, including defect evaluation, engineering collaboration, and accurate dispositioning (use-as-is, rework, repair, scrap). • Facilitate and lead RCCA investigations, implementing effective corrective and preventive actions. • Lead and participate in CAPAs and Change Approval Boards (CABs) to ensure sustained improvements. • Conduct and oversee FAIs (AS9102) and verify compliance with all requirements. • Review and approve MWIs, inspection plans, and tooling documentation from a quality perspective. • Perform detailed engineering drawing reviews for manufacturability, tolerance stack-ups, and GD&T accuracy. • Apply expert-level GD&T to validate design intent and dimensional requirements. • Collaborate with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and production readiness. • Promote a proactive quality culture focused on prevention, not detection. Qualifications Required: • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field. • 10+ years manufacturing quality engineering experience in aerospace, with significant assembly experience in spacecraft and/or aircraft. • SME-level expertise in composite fabrication and metallic manufacturing processes. • Proven experience with FAIs (AS9102), drawing reviews, and MWI development/approval. • Strong working knowledge and application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5). • Extensive experience in NCR dispositioning and MRB decision-making. • Leadership in RCCA, CAPA, and CAB processes. • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to balance shop floor engagement with engineering analysis.
Preferred: • Spacecraft manufacturing or launch vehicle integration experience. • Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification. • Hands-on experience with CMMs and metrology systems. • Active or recent security clearance.
Key Competencies • Balanced Floor & Desk Presence • Composite & Metallic Process Expertise • Root Cause & Corrective Action Leadership • FAI, MWI, and Drawing Review Proficiency • GD&T & Dimensional Control Mastery • Cross-Functional Collaboration • High Attention to Detail & Quality Standards
Pay Details: $60.00 to $65.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Job Location: Mesa, AZ
Per Diem: --
Overtime: --
Duration: indef
Start Date: ASAP
Input Date: 09/14/2026
Attention:
Address: 545 E JOHN CARPENTER FWY STE 950
City, State: IRVING, TX 75062
Phone: 214/647-9600
800 Phone: 800/270-4737
Email: Client.Services@pdstech.com
Website: Go To PDS Tech Commercial Website
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