NPI Quality Engineer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.  
 
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country. 

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for an NPI Quality Engineer to join our team. This role ensures that every new product launched meets PDW’s rigorous standards for reliability, manufacturability, and mission performance. Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management, the NPI Quality Engineer will be instrumental in transitioning designs into production while maintaining uncompromising quality standards.

What You'll Do

• Own quality deliverables for new product introductions from prototype through production ramp, ensuring each build phase meets PDW's standards for reliability, manufacturability, and mission readiness.
• Partner with Engineering and Program Management to integrate quality milestones into the NPI schedule and communicate readiness, risks, and mitigation plans to key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain control plans, inspection criteria, and test procedures for new assemblies, production processes, and critical-to-quality characteristics.
• Support Engineering Change Requests and Engineering Change Orders (ECRs/ECOs) with clear assessment of quality, reliability, traceability, and compliance impacts.
• Lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations for prototype and pilot build issues, driving containment, corrective action, and prevention of recurrence.
• Collaborate with Design Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering to incorporate design-for-quality, design-for-manufacturing, and design-for-assembly principles into new products.
• Partner with Supplier Quality Engineering and Supply Chain to qualify new suppliers and verify that incoming materials and components meet PDW quality requirements.
• Support the transition from development to production by validating process readiness, operator training, tooling, equipment qualification, and build documentation.
• Identify and execute process improvements that improve yield, reduce rework and scrap, and strengthen product reliability across pilot and production builds.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4+ years of Quality Engineering experience, preferably supporting new product introduction, complex assembly manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or mission-critical systems.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, RCCA, and other structured quality planning and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience supporting ECR/ECO processes, process validation, supplier qualification, and quality requirements flow-down.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or comparable quality management system requirements.
• Proficiency with statistical process control (SPC), quality metrics, data analysis, and data-driven continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Supply Chain, Production, Program Management, and Quality teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, iterative environment with shifting priorities, aggressive schedules, and high accountability for results.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required. 

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Experience supporting unmanned systems, aerospace, defense, or other regulated product manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of ITAR requirements, supplier quality expectations, and compliance frameworks relevant to defense manufacturing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as manufacturing and test equipment, industrial computers, HMIs, and handheld diagnostic tools. Must be physically capable of walking production floors, accessing equipment in constrained spaces, participating in factory acceptance testing, and supporting on-site system deployments.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a professional, climate-controlled office, warehouse, manufacturing, and shipping environment. At times, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety gloves, goggles, and hearing protection, may be required. The employee will also work outdoors when loading and receiving shipments and may be exposed to varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with occasional overtime based on operational needs. The role operates in a fast-paced environment involving the movement, packing, and staging of shipments and requires approximately 10–25% domestic and international travel, as needed.

Benefits 

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include: 

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company. 
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match. 
• Paid Parental Leave. 
• On-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance. 
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation. 
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options. 

EEO Statement 

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.