Hardware Quality Engineer (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Hardware Quality Engineer (Aerospace): Managing lineside quality authority for hardware inspection and acceptance with an accent on in-process and final inspection, buy-offs, and release decisions. Focus on ensuring hardware meets rigorous drawing, specification, and workmanship requirements within ERP/MES systems for high-reliability defense products.

Location: Must be based in or able to relocate to El Segundo, California

Salary: $120,000–$170,000

Company

A defense technology company building multi-product portfolios powered by Coherent Distributed Networks to empower warfighters and commercial operators.

What you will do

• Perform in-process and final inspection of mechanical and electrical hardware.
• Execute first article inspection (FAI) and verify builds against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Review and sign off on build records, travelers, and routers within ERP/MES systems.
• Identify, document, and manage nonconforming material and support MRB activities.
• Act as the primary point of contact for manufacturing quality issues on the production floor.
• Enforce workmanship standards and ensure full traceability of hardware components.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in quality inspection, QC, or manufacturing quality roles.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex drawings, schematics, and specifications (GD&T preferred).
• Hands-on experience with board-level and mechanical hardware inspection.
• Proven experience using ERP/MES systems for build tracking and documentation.
• Familiarity with IPC standards such as J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610.

Nice to have

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware environments.
• Background in AS9100 environments and performing AS9102 FAI.
• Experience across multiple production domains including R&D, T2P, LRIP, and FRP.
• Strong background in MRB and nonconformance disposition.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits: Medical, dental, and vision 100% paid by the company.
• Financial security: 401k with 50% company match up to 6% of pay, plus FSA and HSA.
• Work-life balance: Unlimited PTO and 'No meeting Fridays'.
• Perks: Free daily lunch and casual dress code.
• Growth: Opportunity to work on cutting-edge defense technology in a rapidly scaling environment.