Quality Engineer II

Karman; Gulfport (MS); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Paid time off

HSA with company contribution

FSA

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Karman Space and Defense in Gulfport, MS seeks a Quality Engineer II to lead quality planning and oversight across programs, ensuring products meet customer, engineering, and contractual requirements. You will develop inspection documentation, collaborate with engineers and production teams, and lead audits for compliant, high-quality deliverables.

This role requires reading engineering drawings, experience with DoD standards, and the ability to work on-site in a fast-paced defense environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field or 3–6 years of related work experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience creating work instructions, procedures, or similar technical documentation.
• Ability to perform inspections with calibrated equipment and tools.
• DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Develop quality plans, inspection criteria, and Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) packages.
• Review drawings, specifications, and material requirements to set quality criteria.
• Collaborate with engineering to develop Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs).
• Provide quality input for proposals, schedules, budgets, and other deliverables.
• Apply GD&T knowledge in planning and inspections.
• Lead audits and drive corrective/preventive actions.

Skills

Quality engineering

Reading drawings

MS Office

Security clearance

Education

BS in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AS9100 / ISO 9001

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 II

Full Time Professional Gulfport, MS, US

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 Maritime Defense Systems business, which delivers integrated solutions with decades of proven performance across submarine, surface, and autonomous naval platforms supporting high-priority national defense programs. Our bow-to-stern capabilities include acoustic and sonar protection systems, propulsion systems, advanced composite structures, missile subsystems, canisters and launchers, and autonomous underwater vehicle subsystems. From concept through production, we combine engineering, materials expertise, specialized manufacturing, and large-scale testing to deliver mission-ready systems that reduce technical risk and support long-term operational performance.

In this role, you will support program quality direction and contribute across Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure products meet customer, engineering, and contractual requirements. You will develop quality plans, inspection documentation, and objective evidence packages, collaborate with engineers and production teams, and lead audits, investigations, and quality improvements that strengthen compliance and support successful program execution.

Responsibilities

• Supports multiple programs by developing quality plans, traceability matrices, inspection plans, and Objective Quality Evidence (OQE) packages.
• Reviews engineering drawings, customer specifications, and material requirements to establish quality and inspection criteria.
• Partners with engineering to develop and approve Manufacturing Work Instructions (MIPs).
• Provides quality input for proposals, schedules, budgets, and other program deliverables.
• Applies working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing in quality planning and inspections.
• Participates in full production processes including drawing reviews, tool verification, procurement, machining, inspections, and OQE development.
• Interfaces with customers, vendors, and subcontractors to support program quality activities.
• Leads internal audits and supports third-party Quality Management System audits and source inspections.
• Leads root cause, corrective action, and preventive action investigations.
• Evaluates quality control processes and recommends improvements to support compliance and continuous enhancement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of science degree in composites, mechanical, civil, structural, chemical, aerospace, or another related engineering discipline, including naval architecture; or a combination of extensive work experience (3–6 years) plus other unrelated education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of quality engineering practices and Quality Management Systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, customer specifications, and material requirements.
• Experience developing work instructions, procedures, or similar technical documentation.
• Ability to perform inspections using calibrated equipment, special tooling, and other inspection methods.
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders, work in confined spaces, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb, and perform hands‑on inspection tasks.
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Experience with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Experience performing first article inspections.
• Experience with composite materials and fabrication processes.
• 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.