Quality Engineer

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Bonus potential

Job summary

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company is seeking a Quality Engineer I to support the development, production, and delivery of unmanned aerial systems, ensuring products and processes meet internal, customer, and regulatory quality requirements.

This role collaborates cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain to monitor product quality, investigate nonconformances, and implement corrective actions that drive continuous improvement while growing a foundation in aerospace

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Support production by ensuring assemblies meet drawings and specs.
• Develop inspection plans and quality documentation.
• Monitor quality metrics and drive process improvements.
• Investigate nonconforming material via NCR processes.
• Support MRB activities including disposition and rework verification.
• Participate in root cause investigations using 5-Why, Fishbone, and 8D.
• Assist internal audits and process compliance.
• Collaborate with Production and Manufacturing Engineering to resolve issues on the floor.
• Develop process controls for consistent product quality.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Engineering drawings interpretation

Quality systems knowledge

Analytical and problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing processes understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Inspection tools/measurement equipment

Job description

Position Summary

We are looking for a Quality Engineer that supports the development, production, and delivery of Flightwave's unmanned aerial systems by ensuring products and manufacturing processes meet internal, customer, and regulatory quality requirements. This role works cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain to monitor product quality, investigate nonconformances, and implement corrective actions that drive continuous improvement.

The Quality Engineer I will assist in maintaining compliance to AS9100, participate in root cause investigations, support production readiness, and help establish scalable quality processes. This position is ideal for an early-career engineer looking to build a strong foundation in aerospace manufacturing quality.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support production teams by ensuring assemblies and components meet engineering drawings, specifications, and workmanship standards.
• Assist in developing inspection plans, work instructions, and quality documentation.
• Monitor production quality metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Investigate and document nonconforming material through NCR processes.
• Support MRB activities including disposition preparation and rework verification.
• Participate in root cause investigations using structured methodologies such as 5-Why, Fishbone, and 8D.
• Support internal audits and process compliance activities.
• Partner with Production and Manufacturing Engineering to resolve technical and quality issues on the floor.
• Assist in developing process controls to maintain consistent product quality.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across production and engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods in office and manufacturing environments.
• Capability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally (inspection tools, parts, or test equipment).
• Visual acuity to read drawings, inspect hardware, and identify defects.
• Manual dexterity to handle small components and operate inspection instruments.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary Range 77K-114K, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.