The Quality Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and managing Quality Engineering resources in support of design, development, manufacturing, and sustainment of complex defense products. This role ensures effective application of AS9100 requirements, customer and regulatory standards, and internal quality processes throughout the product lifecycle. The Quality Engineering Manager provides technical leadership, people management, and cross-functional influence to drive product conformity, risk reduction, and continuous improvement.
This position reports to the Director of Quality and manages Quality Engineers and assigned quality personnel supporting programs and operations.
ABOUT US
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Quality Engineers and assigned quality personnel supporting design, manufacturing, and program execution.
- Assign resources to programs and functional activities based on risk, complexity, and customer requirements.
- Ensure effective communication and escalation of quality risks to the Director of Quality and program leadership.
- Ensure quality engineering involvement in design and development activities in accordance with AS9100 and internal procedures.
- Support design reviews, risk assessments, configuration management, and design change control.
- Support qualification, first article inspection (FAI), and transition from development to production.
- Support production readiness reviews, process capability, control plans, and manufacturing risk assessments.
- Provide quality engineering oversight for nonconformance management, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
- Support internal, customer, and third-party audits as a subject matter expert.
- Use data-driven analysis to identify improvement opportunities and reduce cost of poor quality.
- Drive QMS continuous improvement initiatives.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
- 5+ years’ experience in quality engineering, manufacturing engineering or related roles within aerospace and defense.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Expert knowledge of GD&T and Statistical Process Control implementation
- Expert knowledge of AS9100 QMS
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance
ITAR REQUIREMENTS
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
No travel required for this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
- 5+ years experience in quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related roles within aerospace and defense.
- Expert knowledge of GD&T and Statistical Process Control implementation.
- Expert knowledge of AS9100 QMS.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold or be able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance.
What We Do
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’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s 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 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.
