Quality Engineering (Assembly / Manufacturing)

JOB TITLE: Quality Engineer

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.
Job Type: Contract (Long Term)
Aerospace / Defense / Aviation
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)
Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier
S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) as defined under ITAR regulations?
Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?
Serves as the manufacturing quality Subject Matter Expert (SME) for composite and metallic part fabrication, assembly, and integration of spacecraft and aircraft.
Leads and manages the Non-Conformance (NCR) process including defect evaluation, engineering collaboration, and accurate dispositioning (use-as-is, rework, repair, scrap).
Reviews manufacturing work instructions (MWIs) to ensure compliance to processes, specifications, and quality standards.
Conducts and oversees First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102 and verifies compliance with all requirements.
Performs detailed engineering drawing reviews for manufacturability, tolerance stack-ups, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) accuracy.
Develops and implements in-process inspection criteria, test plans, and quality control checkpoints for spacecraft assembly.
Reviews and approves MWIs, inspection plans, and tooling documentation from a quality perspective.
Collaborates with design engineering to ensure manufacturability and production readiness of spacecraft and aircraft components.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
8+ years of manufacturing quality engineering experience in aerospace, with significant assembly experience in spacecraft or aircraft.
SME-level expertise in composite fabrication and metallic manufacturing processes.
Proven experience with First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102.
Experience reviewing and approving Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWIs) and tooling documentation.
Strong working knowledge and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.Extensive experience in NCR dispositioning and Material Review Board (MRB) decision-making.
Spacecraft manufacturing or launch vehicle integration experience, Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification, and hands-on experience with CMMs and metrology systems.
The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.
As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.
S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense