Quality Engineer, Maritime

Slope; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Anduril Industries in Santa Ana, CA is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer for its Maritime team. You will own quality for autonomous surface and undersea systems, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and NavSea standards while building a robust, auditable quality foundation.

You will lead MRB, RCCA, supplier qualification, and FAI programs, driving continuous improvement, SPC, and data-driven KPIs across complex maritime hardware.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a Quality Engineering role within aerospace/defense or regulated industries.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing and auditing AS9100 QMS.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Experience leading FAIs per AS9102 and interpreting GD&T on complex drawings.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and sustain a QMS compliant with AS9100 and NavSea requirements.
• Champion quality on the manufacturing floor and monitor SPC, FMEA, and continuous improvement.
• Lead MRB disposition of non-conforming product; drive RCCA using 8D and 5 Whys.
• Qualify, audit, and manage suppliers of critical components and processes.
• Develop inspection plans, work instructions, and criteria for receiving, in-process, and final inspection.
• Lead FAIs per AS9102 and coordinate internal and supplier audits.
• Establish and track KPIs; analyze data and drive strategic quality improvements.

Skills

Quality engineering

AS9100

Root cause analysis

FMEA

8D / 5 Whys

GD&T

FAIs (AS9102)

Audit facilitation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PLM software

MES software

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril’s family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Maritime Manufacturing Technology team is responsible for rapidly developing and implementing manufacturing technologies and processes for cutting-edge defense hardware, including deployable static and moving surface, undersea and sea to air vehicles and scaling these products in our new manufacturing facilities.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a Quality Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Santa Ana, CA. The Quality Engineer for our Maritime team is a critical role responsible for ensuring our autonomous surface and undersea systems are built to the most stringent standards, blending the speed and innovation of a technology company with the discipline and rigor required for national security.

You will be the authority on quality for programs that operate in the harshest environments on Earth. This role requires a hands‑on, first-principles approach to developing and enforcing quality systems that meet and exceed AS9100 and specific Naval Sea Systems Command (NavSea) standards. You will not just be checking boxes; you will be building the quality foundation for the next generation of naval technology.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Develop, implement, and sustain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that is compliant with AS9100 and tailored to include specific NavSea requirements for maritime hardware.
• Champion quality on the manufacturing floor. Implement and monitor statistical process controls (SPC), conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase first-pass yield and reduce scrap.
• Act as the subject matter expert for interpreting and flowing down NavSea standards and technical publications (e.g., material traceability, welding certifications, testing protocols) into actionable manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) to disposition non-conforming product. Drive the Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) process using methodologies like 8D and 5 Whys to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with the supply chain team to qualify, audit, and manage suppliers of critical components and special processes (e.g., welding, coatings, pressure testing), ensuring compliance with all prime contract and regulatory requirements.
• Develop comprehensive inspection plans, work instructions, and criteria for receiving, in-process, and final inspection. Lead First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102.
• Plan and execute internal and supplier audits to ensure system-wide compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. Serve as a primary point of contact during customer and third‑party audits.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality. Analyze data to identify trends, report on QMS performance to leadership, and drive strategic improvements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of experience in a Quality Engineering role within a manufacturing environment for aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated, hands‑on experience implementing, maintaining, and being audited against an AS9100 certified Quality Management System.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.) and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Experience leading First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102.
• Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct, hands‑on experience with NavSea standards and requirements (e.g., SUBSAFE, NAVSEA S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248 for welding, material control specifications, technical publication adherence).
• Experience in the production of maritime systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), or related pressure vessel and submersible hardware.
• Experience with quality control for special processes such as composite fabrication, welding, complex electro‑mechanical assembly, and environmental/pressure testing.
• ASQ certification (Certified Quality Engineer - CQE, Certified Quality Auditor - CQA) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Experience in a fast‑paced, high‑mix, rapid development environment where speed and rigor must coexist.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software.

US Salary Range

$146,000 — $194,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including:

Benefits

At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you’re supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.