Quality Specialist

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost. SUMMARY: Quality Assurance owns the processes and tools by which Firefly identifies, contains, eliminates, and prevents non-conformances. Quality is charged with defining and maintaining the processes and tools which prove product capabilities meet requirements and result in a predictably economical and reliable product. The Firefly Quality Specialist is responsible for defining processes for inspection and acceptance of qualification and flight hardware and software products, conducting product inspections, leading training for responsible team members, conducting audits, and driving process and product improvement initiatives. Ensuring our processes are effective and efficient, Quality Specialists play a critical role in ensuring mission success. This position is located at our launch site in Vandenberg, CA. RESPONSIBILITIES: Perform inspections on launch vehicle components, sub-assemblies (fluids, avionics, structural), and associated ground support equipment. Develop and execute detailed inspection programs which assure adherence to design, specification, and testing requirements - ensuring that all actions required for product acceptance are conducted accurately and efficiently via training, conducting periodic audits, and utilizing other appropriate methods. Document non-conformances in accordance with prescribed procedures and process as required. Collect, track, and trend integration and test data on first-pass yield and non-conformance issues, performing basic statistical analysis on variable data. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate and resolve non-conformance or quality issues, including root-cause analysis and development and implementation of robust corrective actions to prevent reoccurrences. Quarantine and process non-conforming product and lead containment activities, as necessary. Maintain tool control and calibration processes within assigned work center - including validation of metrology systems. Conduct periodic audits, report results, and drive action items with a cross-functional team. Participate in technical operations and offer guidance and/or serve as an additional technical resource. Conduct test readiness reviews for launch and static fire, engage in range operations, and provide test operation support/inspections (leak checks, closeouts for all systems) Initiate and execute plans to improve product quality and inspection efficiency. Apply 5S workplace organization & follow the Lean initiatives. Support manufacturing compliance to customer and internal specifications to meet contractual and mission requirements. Frequent travel to Briggs, TX for training and integration/test familiarization. Perform other duties as assigned. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Required High school diploma or equivalency certificate. 2+ years of hands-on experience in an aerospace, military, or manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to read technical information, follow technical instructions, and understand: technical drawings, specifications, GD&T, and related quality control documentation and standards. Experience creating processes and defining work instructions. Experience with standards and/or equivalent quality, military, or government standards in the aerospace industry. Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written. Flexibility regarding workflow and process. Excellent organizational skills. Willingness to work with a team, share expertise, and follow instructions to accomplish established goals. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. It’s possible that this job will require you to work in confined/restricted spaces. Desired Associate degree or higher in quality, engineering, or related technical discipline. Demonstrated experience applying quality assurance principles, methods, and processes - including inspection techniques, equipment, and tools used in quality control. Comprehensive understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes and launch experience. Demonstrated experience utilizing different root-cause analysis methods. Full capability to read and understand blueprints, drawings GD&T, and Model-Based Definitions. Demonstrated experience with application of aerospace quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001. A&P License ATF Federal Explosives License (FEL) Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status