Quality Engineer III

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 Hypersonics and Strategic Missile Defense business, which designs, develops, and delivers highly dependable missile systems for hypersonic and strategic missile defense missions. We provide integrated, mission-ready hardware that brings together multiple technologies into unified systems engineered to perform in demanding operational environments. Our tip-to-tail capabilities include payload protection and deployment systems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, separation systems, missile subsystems, shroud systems, launch systems, and payload integration solutions.

As a Quality Engineer, you support high-performance aerospace structures and systems through design, development, testing, qualification, and production. You help drive product integrity by developing quality plans, improving inspection processes, resolving nonconformances, supporting design reviews, and leading investigations that enhance reliability. Your work strengthens program execution, ensures compliance with quality standards, and contributes to the successful delivery of mission-critical hardware.

Responsibilities• Develops and executes quality plans for aerospace structures and systems throughout development and production.
• Implements new quality inspection methodologies to support evolving program and hardware needs.
• Supports customer design review activities to ensure quality requirements are addressed.
• Performs in‑process inspections during fabrication and assembly, including Aerospace Standard 9102 (AS9102) First Articles.
• Prepares Technical Data Packages (TDPs) documenting hardware deliverables.
• Reviews purchase orders for contractual, project, and quality flow‑down accuracy.
• Generates, investigates, and resolves Corrective Action Reports (CARs) and Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs).
• Leads failure investigations to identify root cause and corrective actions.
• Performs supply chain risk analysis to support quality and program objectives.

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 aircraft certification, including systems associated with composite aerospace structures.
• Expert knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Expert knowledge of Aerospace Standard 9100 (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.