Quality Engineer-Defense/Aerospace

Critical Fit Recruiting; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Critical Fit Recruiting seeks a Quality Engineer to support design, manufacture, and delivery of life-critical energetic components for the defense industry in the St. Louis area.

You will guard product integrity to meet stringent safety standards and regulations, contributing to readiness and national defense. Responsibilities include developing quality plans, leading inspections, driving RCCA closures, and participating in audits and supplier collaborations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of quality engineering experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with root cause analysis methods (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) and corrective action processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality plans, inspection procedures, and acceptance criteria for energetic components per military specifications and customer requirements.
• Perform in-process and final inspections and review FAI reports, lot acceptance testing, and non-conforming dispositions.
• Lead RCCA investigations and drive closure of CARs with cross-functional teams.
• Support internal audits, customer source inspections, and Government QA visits as primary quality contact.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to review process changes and new product introductions from QA perspective.
• Analyze quality data (scrap, yield, defect trends) to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain AS9100-compliant QMS, calibration, and documentation control.

Skills

RCA methodologies

AS9100/ISO 9001

Quality data analysis

GD&T ASME Y14.5

Communication skills

US citizen

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/manufacturing

Job description

Quality Engineer - Defense/Aerospace - St. Louis Area

Description:

We're looking for a Quality Engineer to support the design, manufacture, and delivery of life-critical energetic components for the defense industry. In this role, you will serve as a key guardian of product integrity, ensuring that energetic devices meet the stringent quality and safety standards demanded by customers and governing regulations. This is a high-impact position where your work directly contributes to the readiness and safety of U.S. defense.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain quality plans, inspection procedures, and acceptance criteria for energetic components in accordance with applicable military specifications, customer requirements, and internal documentation
• Perform and oversee in-process and final inspections, including review of First Article Inspection (FAI) reports, lot acceptance testing, and non-conforming material dispositions
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations for internal nonconformances, customer complaints, and supplier escapes, driving timely and effective closure of Corrective Action Requests (CARs)
• Support and participate in internal audits, customer source inspections, and Government Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) visits, serving as a primary point of contact for quality-related inquiries
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to review and approve process changes, engineering orders, and new product introductions from a quality assurance perspective
• Analyze quality data and metrics — including scrap, yield, and defect trends — to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives across production operations
• Maintain and support the organization's Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100 and applicable regulatory requirements, including calibrated measurement equipment and documentation control

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum 3 years of quality engineering experience in a manufacturing environment subject to regulated or highly controlled processes
• Demonstrated experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa/fishbone) and corrective action processes
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, or an equivalent Quality Management System standard
• Familiarity with military specifications, standards, and engineering drawing interpretation, including GD&T per ASME Y14.5
• Proficiency with quality tools including control plans, FMEAs, MSA/gauge R&R, and statistical process control (SPC)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with customers, government representatives, and cross-functional teams
• Must be a U.S. citizen

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the defense, aerospace, ordnance, or energetic materials industry
• Familiarity with ATF, DoD, and/or DDESB regulations governing the manufacture and handling of explosive or energetic components
• Experience supporting Government Source Inspection (GSI) and DCSA/DCMA oversight activities
• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent professional certification
• Experience conducting AS9100 internal audits
• Knowledge of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) controls and handling requirements relevant to electro-explosive devices (EEDs)