Program Quality Engineer

Job Summary

As a Program Quality Engineer at Firehawk Aerospace, you will be responsible for executing quality assurance activities in support of development and production programs. This role serves as the primary quality interface for assigned programs, ensuring compliance with AS9100, customer contractual requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality management system processes. This role works closely with Supplier Quality, Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure product conformity, support issue resolution, and promote continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary quality representative for assigned programs from contract review through production and sustainment.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer flow-down requirements, regulatory standards, and internal QMS procedures.
• Support quality planning activities, including inspection plans, control plans, risk assessments, and contract quality requirement reviews.
• Review and approve AS9102 FAI reports, deviation requests, and nonconformance dispositions.
• Participate in design and production readiness reviews to identify and mitigate quality risks.
• Lead or support customer escape investigations using structured problem-solving tools to drive effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze quality metrics and audit results to identify trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits with required documentation and expertise.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and related documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior quality engineers and cross-functional teams.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in aerospace and defense manufacturing
• Proven ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in a program quality role, including MRB participation and authority
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T
• Experience with AS9100 / ISO 9001 and aerospace and defense customer requirements
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, industry and military specifications, and contractual requirements
• Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g. 8D, 5-Why)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including customer and supplier interaction
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading hardware and process qualification activities within the defense industry
• Familiarity with R&D manufacturing in the aerospace and defense industry
• Experience with raw materials and polymer processing
• Demonstrated experience in Quality Control, performing receiving, in-process, and final inspections
• Experience supporting internal, customer, and third-party audits
• Experience with AS9102 and AS9103
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and risk-based quality tools

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for career growth and development in a fast-paced, innovative environment
• The chance to work on groundbreaking propulsion technologies that are shaping the future of defense
• A fun, collaborative and inclusive workplace culture

Firehawk Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.