Manufacturing quality engineering

Quality Systems Engineer
Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus and technical excellence are decisive advantages - and we are building a team that can deliver real capability, not just concepts. This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly shape critical systems, influence major technical decisions, and have immediate, real-world impact.
The Quality Systems Engineer will be responsible for managing Castelion's quality management system and ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements across all sites. Reporting to the Quality and Compliance Manager, this role will lead internal and external audits, maintain certifications (AS9100, NADCAP, and others), coordinate corrective actions. This position will also support the Supplier Quality team by conducting AS9100 audits of suppliers, evaluating suppliers' compliance on an as needed basis.
This role requires creative, non-traditional thinking about compliance—someone who can embrace the spirit of AS9100 while making compliance as frictionless as possible for the organization. Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight

Manage and maintain Castelion's non-traditional Quality Management System in accordance with AS9100 and other applicable standards, while challenging conventional approaches to make compliance more efficient.
Oversee document control processes, ensuring procedures, work instructions, and quality records are current, accessible, and compliant—while streamlining wherever possible.
Conduct regular gap analyses and risk assessments to identify and address compliance vulnerabilities.
Drive continuous improvement of QMS processes to support rapid growth and scaling, always seeking creative solutions that maintain compliance rigor while reducing friction.
Ensuring timely investigation, root cause analysis, and closure of quality issues.
Plan, schedule, and conduct internal audits across all Castelion sites to ensure compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, and customer-specific requirements.
Coordinate external audits including registrar audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
Serve as a liaison with external auditors and certification bodies (e.g., registrars, PRI for NADCAP, customer quality representatives).
Supplier Quality Support

Conduct AS9100 style audits of suppliers on behalf of the Supplier Quality team to assess compliance and capability.
Coordinate supplier corrective actions and track closure of supplier-related quality issues.
Certification and Regulatory Compliance

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Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Support pursuit of additional certifications as required by customers or business development (e.g., ISO 14001, specific customer certifications).
Demonstrate creative compliance approaches to auditors and certification bodies, building trust in non-traditional methods while maintaining full conformance.
Coordinate with the Program Management team to implement customer requirements and inquiries, and corrective action requests.
Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management to embed quality and compliance considerations throughout the product lifecycle.
Provide hands-on compliance guidance and implementation support to all departments.
Ensure quality requirements are understood and integrated into operational processes in practical, effective ways.
Support new site stand-ups and expansions with quality system implementation.
Minimum 5+ years in aerospace quality, compliance, or audit roles with direct AS9100 experience.
Experience conducting supplier audits and supplier quality assessments.
Experience with defense contractor compliance requirements (FAR, DFARS, ITAR).
Experience implementing or maintaining quality systems in high-growth, fast-paced manufacturing environments.
Track record of challenging conventional quality approaches and implementing innovative, compliant solutions.
Experience operating as a quality support function rather than a compliance enforcement role.
Familiarity with additional standards such as ISO 14001, ISO 13485, or customer-specific requirements (e.g., Experience with quality management software and enterprise systems.
Strong understanding of risk-based thinking and process approach methodologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to interact effectively with external auditors, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
Employee Equity: Meaningful equity for all full-time employees - share value has increased 150x in three years
Personal Time Off: Four (4) weeks of paid time off to unplug, reset, and come back sharp—velocity matters, burnout doesn't
Company Paid Holidays: Ten (10) company paid holidays
Medical: Dental & Vision: We cover 90% employees and 80% for dependents to ensure you and your family have access to quality preventive and ongoing care
FSA/HSA: To support long-term health and financial resilience, we offer FSA and HSA options that allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical and dependent care expenses
Retirement: 401k plan offered to support long term financial growth along side high-impact, high-velocity work
This time can be used for pre-natal care, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical needs—ensuring every parent has the support they need during this important life moment.Snacks & Beverages: Fully stocked kitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day
Performance & Fitness: $100 monthly fitness stipend to support peak performance and health, both inside and outside of work
Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Must be able to travel up to 30%