Quality Engineer I

Karman; Mukilteo, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

HSA

FSA

Life Insurance

AD&D Insurance

Disability coverage

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Mukilteo, WA is seeking a Quality Engineer I to support design, development, testing, qualification, and production to ensure hardware meets rigorous quality standards.

Responsibilities include quality planning, inspection, documentation, CARs/NCRs, and root cause investigations; travel up to 10% may be required. An Associate degree in manufacturing/engineering tech or equivalent is required, with a DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in a manufacturing/engineering technology field.
• DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing/quality is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute quality plans from development to production.
• Implement inspection methods for evolving program requirements.
• Support design reviews to align quality expectations.
• Perform in‑process inspections per AS9102 First Articles.
• Prepare and document Technical Data Packages (TDPs).
• Review purchase orders for quality flow downs.
• Lead CARs, NCRs, and root cause investigations.
• Assess supply chain quality risks.

Skills

AS9102 First Articles

Quality planning

Root cause analysis

Inspection methods

Education

Associate’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Quality Engineer I

Full Time Professional Mukilteo, Mukilteo, WA, US

Salary Range: $80,020.00 To $94,000.00 Annually

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Tactical Missiles and Integrated Defense Systems business, which designs and develops integrated missile and defense systems that support critical missions across air, land, and sea. We combine comprehensive analysis, engineering, and program execution capabilities to deliver mission-tailored solutions that reduce lead times, lower costs, and simplify complex multi-vendor supply chains. Backed by decades of flight‑proven and fielded performance, we design and build mission‑critical technologies including launch systems, propulsion, payload integration solutions, UAV components, missile subsystems, and Safe & Arm systems.

As a Quality Engineer, you support projects through design, development, testing, qualification, and production to ensure all hardware meets rigorous quality standards. This role contributes to quality planning, inspection, documentation, and issue resolution, helping maintain reliable performance across critical deliverables.

Schedule

This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Determines and executes quality plans for projects from development through production.
• Implements new inspection methodologies to support evolving program requirements.
• Supports customer design review activities to align quality expectations.
• Performs in‑process inspections during fabrication and assembly, including Aerospace Standard (AS) 9102 First Articles.
• Prepares Technical Data Packages (TDPs) documenting hardware deliverables.
• Reviews purchase orders to ensure accurate contractual, project, and quality flow downs.
• Generates and resolves Corrective Action Reports (CARs) and Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Leads failure investigations to determine root cause and corrective actions.
• Performs supply chain risk analysis to identify and mitigate quality risks.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent registration or experience.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• More than 2 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing or quality operations.

Physical Requirements

The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions

• This role requires occasional travel (0–10%).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑and long‑term disability coverage

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.