Quality Engineer III

Karman Space & Defense; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance

Short‑ and long‑term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking a quality engineer to support quality activities across design, development, testing, qualification, and production for aerospace structures and systems.

You will implement inspection methodologies, drive non-conformances, participate in customer reviews, and ensure hardware meets stringent technical and quality standards; DoD Secret clearance required or ability to obtain; 5+ years in aerospace quality engineering; Bachelor's in aerospace or mechanical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace systems quality engineering.
• Deep understanding of testing, inspection, quality issues, and certification of aircraft systems, including composite aero structures.
• Expert knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) implementation.
• Expert knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• A current DoD Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Responsibilities

• Determines and executes quality plans for aerospace structures and systems throughout development and production.
• Implements new quality inspection methodologies to support evolving program needs.
• Supports customer design review activities to ensure quality requirements are fully addressed.
• Performs in‑process inspections during fabrication and assembly, including AS9102 First Article inspections.
• Prepares Technical Data Packages documenting hardware deliverables.
• Reviews purchase orders for accuracy and correct contractual, project, and quality flow‑downs.
• Generates and resolves Corrective Action Reports and Non‑Conformance Reports.
• Leads failure investigations to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
• Performs supply chain risk analysis to ensure supplier quality and program continuity.

Skills

GD&T

SPC

DoD clearance

Quality planning

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

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.

In this role, you support quality engineering activities across design, development, testing, qualification, and production for aerospace structures and systems. You ensure robust quality planning, drive inspection methodologies, support customer reviews, and help resolve issues that impact product performance and compliance. Your work strengthens program execution, supports continuous improvement, and ensures that delivered hardware meets stringent technical and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Determines and executes quality plans for aerospace structures and systems throughout development and production.
• Implements new quality inspection methodologies to support evolving program needs.
• Supports customer design review activities to ensure quality requirements are fully addressed.
• Performs in‑process inspections during fabrication and assembly, including AS9102 First Article inspections.
• Prepares Technical Data Packages documenting hardware deliverables.
• Reviews purchase orders for accuracy and correct contractual, project, and quality flow‑downs.
• Generates and resolves Corrective Action Reports and Non‑Conformance Reports.
• Leads failure investigations to identify root causes and drive corrective actions.
• Performs supply chain risk analysis to ensure supplier quality and program continuity.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace systems quality engineering.
• In‑depth understanding of testing, inspection, quality issues, and certification of aircraft systems, including composite aero structures.
• Expert knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) implementation.
• Expert knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• A current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Benefits

• 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
• Tuition reimbursement

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.