Senior Quality Engineer

About Aerothreads Aerothreads is a woman-owned aerospace manufacturing company specializing in the consultation, design, fabrication, and installation of Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) blankets and specialized soft goods for aerospace applications. About Aerothreads Aerothreads is a woman-owned aerospace manufacturing company specializing in the consultation, design, fabrication, and installation of Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) blankets and specialized soft goods for aerospace applications. From small satellites to complex spacecraft systems, our team combines technical expertise, precision craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving to deliver solutions that support missions from design and fabrication through integration, testing, and launch. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Riverdale, Maryland, Aerothreads brings together engineers, designers, makers, and skilled craftspeople who share a passion for innovation, quality, and space exploration. We’re looking for an experienced Senior Quality Engineer to help strengthen our quality systems, drive continuous improvement, and ensure our processes meet the standards demanded by the aerospace industry. About The Role This isn’t just a quality assurance position. It’s an opportunity to take ownership of the systems and processes that support mission‑critical aerospace manufacturing. What You’ll Do Lead Our Quality Management System: Own, maintain, and continuously improve our ISO 9001 QMS, ensuring alignment with applicable standards and business objectives. Drive ISO Certification and Compliance: Lead certification readiness, external audit coordination, surveillance and recertification activities, and applicable standards transitions. Manage Quality Audits: Plan and conduct internal audits, coordinate external audits, identify compliance gaps, and ensure effective resolution of findings. Own Corrective Action Processes: Lead root cause investigations, nonconformance management, and corrective actions that deliver measurable, sustainable improvements. Strengthen Quality Documentation: Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, controlled documents, and compliance records. Monitor Quality Performance: Establish and evaluate quality metrics, identify trends, and communicate risks and improvement opportunities to leadership. Partner Across Teams: Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Program Management to strengthen processes, resolve quality concerns, and support customer requirements. Champion Continuous Improvement: Help foster a proactive quality culture focused on consistency, accountability, risk reduction, and operational excellence. What We’re Looking For Required Qualifications 8+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality assurance, quality management systems, or a related manufacturing quality function. Demonstrated experience independently maintaining or managing an ISO 9001 Quality Management System. Formal ISO 9001 Auditor/Lead Auditor training or recognized quality auditing qualification, such as ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or an equivalent credential. Hands-on experience conducting or coordinating internal and external ISO 9001 audits. Strong understanding of ISO 9001 requirements, including the ability to support transition to the 2026 standard. Proven experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, nonconformance management, and continuous improvement. Excellent analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Ability to independently manage priorities and collaborate effectively across technical and operational teams. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline. Experience successfully leading an organization through initial ISO 9001 certification, from gap analysis and QMS implementation through external certification audits. Experience managing ISO surveillance and recertification audits. Aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing industry experience. Familiarity with AS9100 quality management standards. Additional professional certifications, such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE). Experience developing or improving quality systems in a growing manufacturing organization. Why Join Aerothreads? At Aerothreads, we believe extraordinary missions start with extraordinary people. Join a team where innovation meets craftsmanship, collaboration fuels success, and your work contributes to advancing aerospace technology. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our quality systems, work alongside talented professionals, and help strengthen the processes behind our aerospace manufacturing operations. Benefits & Perks Health & Wellness: Employer-supported medical coverage and employee wellness benefits. Work-Life Balance: Paid time off and floating holidays to recharge and enjoy life beyond work. Meaningful Work: Contribute to innovative aerospace projects supporting missions beyond Earth. Opportunity to Make an Impact: Play an influential role in strengthening quality systems, improving processes, and shaping operational excellence. A One-of-a-Kind Team: Collaborate with engineers, designers, makers, and skilled craftspeople who bring creativity and technical precision together. Ready to Make an Impact? If you’re an experienced quality professional who takes pride in building effective systems, solving complex challenges, and raising the standard of excellence, we encourage you to apply. Join Aerothreads and help ensure quality is built into every mission. Aerothreads is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerothreads