Position Summary
We are looking for a Quality Engineer to help ensure that Flightwave’s products and supply base meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and improving quality processes across the product lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, integration, supplier management, and delivery. The Quality Engineer partners with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, suppliers, and customer-facing teams to drive root cause resolution, qualify and monitor suppliers, mitigate risks, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, hands-on, and capable of balancing day-to-day quality engineering activities with long-term process, product, and supplier improvement strategies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan, perform, and document receiving, in-process, and final inspections to verify product conformance to engineering and contractual requirements.
- Develop and maintain inspection plans, work instructions, and quality checklists.
- Support new product introduction by driving design reviews, process validation, and qualification of internal processes as well as supplier parts, subassemblies, and systems.
- Lead and support root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (RCCA/CAPA), and Material Review Board (MRB) activities for both internal processes and supplier-related issues.
- Define and improve product and process requirements to ensure compliance with aerospace standards and customer expectations.
- Partner with engineering and manufacturing to proactively address both internal and supplier related quality issues and reduce variability.
- Provide quality support for customer, program, and supplier engagements.
- Establish and monitor key quality metrics; drive improvements when out-of-goal conditions occur.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of the Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with AS9100 and ISO 9001 requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field.
- 2-4 years of experience in aerospace quality engineering with high-rate, high-complexity manufacturing programs.
- Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, Statements of Work (SOWs), and quality clauses.
- Working knowledge of aerospace product development methodologies such as PFMEA, APQP, PPAP, MSA, and GD&T.
- Familiarity with AS9100/ISO 9001 Quality Management System requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to lead RCCA activities and drive closure on quality issues.
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills with an ownership mindset.
- Travel 20–50% domestically to supplier sites for audits, qualifications, and issue resolution.
Additional Desired Qualifications
- Knowledge of metrology, gage R&R, SPC, and inspection techniques for both mechanical and electrical assemblies.
- CQE (Certified Quality Engineer)
- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
- Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and IPC-620, including the ability to interpret standards for inspection and assembly compliance.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods in office and manufacturing environments.
- Capability to lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally (inspection tools, parts, or test equipment).
- Visual acuity to read drawings, inspect hardware, and identify defects.
- Manual dexterity to handle small components and operate inspection instruments.
Background Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
E-Verify
The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.
Compensation: $99K - $132K, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.