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Firefly Aerospace · 2 weeks ago

Manager, Quality Assurance

Briggs, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company focused on enabling launches, landings, and operations in space. The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining processes for inspection and acceptance of hardware and software products, ensuring compliance with quality standards to achieve mission success.

AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Establish and lead a team of Quality Engineers, Specialists, and Inspectors in developing and implementing reliability strategies across the entire product lifecycle, from design to manufacturing, assembly, and deployment for launch vehicle/spacecraft components and sub-assemblies (mechanical, electrical, electro-mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic)

Manage the implementation of the AS9100 certified Quality Management System processes across multiple work centers

Establish quality assurance standards for launch vehicles and spacecraft systems, making changes to ensure compliance with standards and requirements for mission success

Identify and monitor key metrics which drive the quality of products and processes, make data-driven decisions to continually improve reliability

Manage partnerships with design engineering and manufacturing teams through product development and production to oversee the creation of quality plans for flight products, including identification of key characteristics, development testing for functionality and manufacturability, first article and detailed inspection planning, and consideration of criticality, risk, past failures, and lessons learned

Oversee the implementation of quality control inspection and testing equipment, training, and standard work instructions which assure adherence to design, specification, and testing requirements

Ensure that all actions required for product acceptance are conducted accurately and efficiently, in alignment with all customer requirements and regulatory standards

Engage with multiple work centers to improve the effectiveness of the Quality Management System

Demonstrate a first principles approach to quality challenges, focusing on simplification and optimization to increase process and product reliability

Pursue automation efforts to reduce inspection and test variability

Oversee the generation of accurate records for traceability and pedigree of customer-deliverable products, including records of First Article Inspection

Lead Quality Inspectors in workflow priority, inspection process efficiency, and best practice inspection methodologies

Identify and investigate systemic root causes leading to non-conformances affecting product reliability and production efficiency across multiple work centers

Lead with cross-functional teams to contain, mitigate and resolve complex non-conformance or quality issues, including development and implementation of robust corrective actions to prevent reoccurrences

Oversee tool control and calibration processes across the company - including validation of metrology systems

Plan and perform periodic product and process audits to ensure compliance with Firefly Quality Management System

Identify and oversee execution of projects and process improvements to reduce Cost of Poor Quality

Review designs and procedures, providing feedback to identify potential issues early to mitigate manufacturability, inspection, and validation challenges

Oversee research and interpretation of regulations and requirements to ensure compliance with external standards

Lead and mentor a team of quality engineers and inspectors, provide guidance on best practices, tools, and techniques in quality assurance

Establish goals with progression plans and conduct training sessions to improve skills within the team, providing positive and constructive feedback

Manage the performance, schedules, and timecards of individual contributors

Participate in technical operations and offer guidance and/or serve as an additional technical resource

Initiate and oversee execution plans to systematically standardize and improve product quality, reliability, and inspection efficiency

Lead 6S workplace organization & follow the Lean initiatives

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

Quality Management SystemAerospace quality standardsLeadership experienceTechnical documentation interpretationContinuous improvementManufacturing processesInspection techniquesStatistical process controlInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsFlexibility

Required

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry)

8+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing, quality, and/or design engineering role (student project team or internship experience qualifies)

3+ years of experience leading a team or technical project with direct reports, serving as a leadership focal point and decision-maker

Significant exposure to a wide variety of fabrication, integration, and testing methodologies

Experience in a high-risk/high-complexity production background (e.g. automotive, commercial aviation, aerospace, medical devices, or consumer electronics)

Demonstrated ability to read technical information, interpret technical requirements, and understand technical drawings, specifications, GD&T, and related quality control documentation and standards

Experience with standards and/or equivalent quality, military, or government standards in the aerospace industry

Demonstrated experience with application of aerospace quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001

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

Preferred

Master's degree in engineering or related discipline (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry)

10+ years of hands-on experience with demonstrated examples continuous improvement focus to advance product or process reliability

5+ years of experience in a leadership position with direct reports

A proven track record of leadership and team building within a rapidly changing environment

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, materials, and specifications

Demonstrated competency in structures/composites, machining, and non-destructive testing disciplines

Full capability to read and understand blueprints, drawings GD&T, and Model-Based Definitions

Knowledge of ERP to help mold common company tools to best meet quality's needs in a nearly autonomous/invisible approach

Experience evolving a company's quality systems, without losing the ability to tailor processes to support a range of hardware maturity states

Demonstrated experience using quality tools such as Lean principles, measurement systems analysis, design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, advanced product quality planning (APQP), metrology, process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA), control plans, and various problem-solving methodologies

ASQ CQE