Quality Assurance Engineer

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011, our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering models, services, and technology development. Visit us at

Relative Dynamics, Inc. (RD) has an anticipated opportunity to provide inline Quality Assurance support for a commercial space manufacturer at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.


Selected personnel will work fully onsite at JSC as resident Quality Inspectors and/or Procurement Quality Assurance (PQA) specialists. Multiple positions may be available across both Quality Inspector and PQA roles.

What You'll Get to Do:

The Quality Inspector / PQA specialist will provide comprehensive quality support across production and testing activities, including:

Quality Engineering Support

• Ensure processes adhere to standards of quality and efficiency in support of production and testing activities
• Monitor contractor quality controls and participate in QA activities during fabrication, integration, and test
• Participate in production planning, review manufacturing flow plans, and support Manufacturing and Test Readiness Reviews (MRRs and TRRs)
• Document flight hardware and software anomalies, corrective actions, and re-verifications in accordance with applicable non-conformance and corrective action systems

Quality Inspection

• Examine products and processes to ensure compliance with all pertinent standards and specifications
• Perform final workmanship inspections prior to box-level closure and integration into next-level assemblies
• Verify general workmanship quality prior to acceptance testing and shipment; confirm shipping packaging adequacy

Receiving Inspection

• Support inspection of incoming materials and components, verifying quality prior to integration into the production line
• Review parts and materials documentation, traceability, and calibration certification compliance
• Isolate and preserve non-conforming items to support effective root cause and failure analysis

Procurement Quality Assurance (PQA)

• Assist in assuring that the quality of procured materials and services meets applicable requirements
• Support supplier quality management operations, requirements flow down, compliance verification, and performance data accumulation
• Review build records and end-item data packages; participate in corrective action request responses

What You'll Need:

Certifications (Preferred - Not All Required for Every Position):

• NASA-STD-8739.1 (Staking and Conformal Coating)
• NASA-STD-8739.4 or IPC/WHMA-A-620xS (Crimping, Cables and Wiring)
• IPC J-STD-001ES/FS (Soldering, Space Addendum)
• IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies)
• IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cables and Wire Harness Assemblies)

Ideally, candidates will hold all of the above workmanship certifications, but we will consider candidates with partial certification sets depending on role fit and project needs.

Experience and Skills:

• Experience in manufacturing, assembly, and/or quality assurance of space flight hardware
• Familiar with NASA workmanship standards including NASA-STD-8739.6 (Workmanship Implementation Standard) and ANSI/ESD 20.20
• Familiar with ISO 9001 and AS9100
• Experience supporting critical path FRBs for a NASA project is a plus
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience working alongside prime contractors, subcontractors, and civil servants

Location Requirement:

• Must be local to the Houston, TX area. Relocation is not available for this opportunity.

Who You Are:

• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment
• A quick learner who is always ready to gain depth of knowledge
• A reliable professional who knows the importance of showing up when it counts
• Open, cooperative, and team-oriented in accepting and executing assignments
• An effective communicator, both written and verbal

What You'll Enjoy:

• Competitive wage and benefits package
• Medical, dental, vision and life/disability insurance
• Vacation and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Great 401k with company match
• Employee referral program
• Community involvement investing and giving back to the community

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.