About the role
At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.
We seek a Quality Engineer to ensure the highest quality on our production floor and drive quality improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing process. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills and a keen eye for detail to identify defects early, facilitate corrective actions, and foster a quality organizational culture.
What You'll Do
- Quality Assurance Protocols: Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance procedures and protocols that ensure compliance with industry standards and internal specifications.
- Defect Analysis: Investigate and analyze non-conformities, root causes, and corrective actions; document findings and provide recommendations for process improvements.
- Inspection and Testing: Oversee inspection activities and coordinate testing processes to verify product quality and adherence to specifications throughout production phases.
- Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and improve overall process performance using Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
- Training & Development: Develop and deliver training for production staff on quality standards, inspection techniques, and the importance of quality in manufacturing processes.
- Data Management: Collect and analyze quality data to track performance metrics; prepare reports to communicate quality performance to management and stakeholders.
- Supplier Quality Management: Collaborate with suppliers to provide quality materials and components; conduct supplier audits and assessments as needed.
- Team Support: Provide day-to-day support to the quality inspection team (currently 4 FTEs), offering technical guidance.
- Documentation: Maintain effective documentation of quality control measures, inspection records, and quality management system documentation.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, and design teams to ensure quality is integrated into the product development and manufacturing processes.
Requirements
What You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree in Quality Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 4-6 years of experience in a quality engineering role, preferably in the aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing industries.
- Strong understanding of quality standards (ISO, AS9100) and experience with quality control tools and methodologies (e.g., FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, Six Sigma).
- Proven experience with inspection and testing methods and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes.
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to effectively identify issues and implement corrective actions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration across teams and train staff on quality standards.
- Prior experience supporting or mentoring a small team (e.g., quality inspectors or technicians) is preferred.
- Proficient in quality management software and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel, Power BI).
- Fluent in English and Spanish, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Who You Are
You are a hands-on quality professional who feels at home close to production, where problems need to be understood and solved quickly. You combine a sharp eye for detail with a practical mindset and are comfortable challenging existing processes when there is a better way forward. You take ownership of quality issues from root cause to resolution, communicate clearly across engineering and production teams, and know how to turn data into concrete improvements. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, stay structured when priorities shift, and genuinely care about building a strong quality culture where excellence is everyone's responsibility.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Quality Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 4–6 years of experience in a quality engineering role.
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing industries.
- Strong understanding of ISO and AS9100 quality standards.
- Experience with FMEA, Control Plans, SPC, Six Sigma, or related quality methodologies.
- Experience with inspection and testing methods.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to identify issues and implement corrective actions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to train staff on quality standards.
- Experience supporting or mentoring quality inspectors or technicians.
- Proficiency in quality management software and data analysis tools such as Minitab, Excel, or Power BI.
- Fluency in English and Spanish, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
What We Do
Destinus is a European aerospace and defense company that designs and manufactures autonomous flight systems, including drones, strike-effectors, and counter-drone systems. They utilize a vertically integrated model, handling design, airframe engineering, propulsion, and AI software in-house. Their mission focuses on advancing aerospace technology across the speed spectrum to enhance defense capabilities and global connectivity, with a particular emphasis on scalable strike and air defense systems for European and allied forces.
