Aerospace Quality Engineer II — Onsite in Durango

Kokopelli Capital; Durango (CO); On-site; Full time

Job description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. Headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in and Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upcoming growth in Seattle, Washington, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth for the past three years, and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile, directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage, you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan, giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create. All stock grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan.

This is an open position at multiple levels, to be assessed as part of the candidate review process.

This role is onsite and the candidate must be willing to relocate to Durango, CO without exception.

Position Overview: Quality Engineer II

The Quality Engineer II is responsible for supporting compliance with quality requirements throughout the design, development, manufacturing, and delivery of aerospace propulsion hardware. This role works closely with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and supply chain teams to implement and maintain effective quality systems, processes, documentation, and controls. The Quality Engineer II contributes to quality planning, operational readiness, risk mitigation, nonconformance management, configuration control, and corrective/preventive actions to ensure product conformity and system compliance with internal, customer, and regulatory standards.

Position Overview: Senior Quality Engineer I

The Senior Quality Engineer I provides technical direction to ensure compliance with all quality requirements throughout the design, development, manufacturing, and delivery lifecycle of aerospace propulsion hardware. The role drives the establishment, implementation, and continuous improvement of robust quality systems, processes, documentation, and controls. The Quality Engineer III drives quality planning, operational readiness, risk mitigation, nonconformance management, configuration control, corrective/preventive actions, and auditing activities while partnering closely with engineering, manufacturing, program management, and supply chain organizations.

Responsibilities: Quality Engineer II

Design & Verification Support

• Participate in design reviews, ensure quality and verification requirements are incorporated into designs, and review qualification and acceptance test plans.

Quality Planning & Process Control

• Develop project specific quality plans under guidance, create inspection criteria and control plans, support configuration management of released designs and physical builds.

First Article Inspection (FAI)

• Prepare and review AS9102 FAI reports; identify manufacturing and assembly risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Nonconformance & Corrective Action

• Serve as an MRB participant, disposition nonconforming hardware under established guidelines, conduct root cause analysis, and support implementation and verification of corrective actions.

Supplier & Customer Interface

• Ensure supplier quality requirements are flowed down, assist in resolving supplier quality issues, support customer escape investigations, and corrective action responses.

Quality System & Compliance

• Conduct internal audits, support external audits, maintain and follow QMS procedures, and stay current with ISO 9001, AS9100, and related standards.

Performance Reporting

• Track and communicate quality metrics and contribute to continuous improvement activities.

Responsibilities: Senior Quality Engineer I

Design & Verification Support

• Engages in engineering design reviews, defines quality and verification requirements for complex designs, and approves qualification/acceptance test plans and verification/validation methods.

Quality Planning & Process Control

• Quality Planning & Process Control – Develop comprehensive quality plans, establish critical inspection points and special process validation requirements, and ensure configuration integrity across programs.

FAI & Risk Management

• FAI & Risk Management – Author, review, and approve AS9102 FAIs for complex assemblies; identify systemic risks related to manufacturing, assembly, and human factors, and lead mitigation strategies.

Nonconformance & Corrective Action

• Nonconformance & Corrective Action – Serve as an MRB voting member, make final decisions on hardware dispositions, lead structured root cause analyses, and validate corrective/preventive action effectiveness.

Quality System & Compliance

• Lead internal audits, support external customer/certification audits, own QMS procedures affecting product quality, and interpret industry standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and ANSI Z540.

Continuous Improvement & Reporting

• Support the development of key quality metrics and drive cross functional process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications: Quality Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or related field
• 2–5 years of experience in quality engineering within aerospace or manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of quality principles, methodologies, and tools
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in cross functional environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production setting

Required Qualifications: Senior Quality Engineer I

• All qualifications listed above, plus:
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or complex manufacturing quality engineering
• Advanced knowledge of quality management principles, methodologies, and tools
• Demonstrated strength in structured problem solving and root cause analysis
• technical writing skills for complex documentation

Preferred Qualifications: Quality Engineer II

• Exposure to ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality systems
• Experience with quality documentation, test plans, and procedures
• Certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or CQI/CQT or equivalent
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, assembly, or additive manufacturing

Preferred Qualifications: Senior Quality Engineer I

• All qualifications listed above, plus:
• Deep working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent quality management systems
• Experience with advanced propulsion manufacturing processes, special processes, and complex system assemblies

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type

Exempt

Work Schedule

Full Time

Location

Onsite Durango, CO

Salary

$80,000-$120,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity, and is typically made within the midrange, rather than the upper end.

What You'll Love About Us

Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%.We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Disclaimer

Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging, mission-driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full-time employees. Part-time, temporary, or other non-full-time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation

At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [e-mail].

Recruitment Notice

Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered.

Salary Description

$80,000.00 - $120,000.00