Quality Engineer in Addison, Texas at Firehawk Aerospace Inc

Job Title: Quality Engineer
Location: Addison, TX

About Firehawk Aerospace
Firehawk Aerospace is a propulsion focused aerospace and defense company headquartered in Addison, TX, combining advanced additive manufacturing with innovative engineering to produce reliable and cost-effective solid rocket motors. Firehawk maintains a rigorous, safety driven culture across all laboratory and production operations to ensure the highest standards of quality in every stage of propulsion development. As we expand our programs and capabilities, Firehawk offers motivated professionals the opportunity to directly contribute to the precision, consistency, and performance of next generation rocket systems.

Job Summary
As a Quality Engineer at Firehawk Aerospace, you will be responsible for executing quality assurance activities in support of development and production programs. This role serves as the primary quality interface for assigned programs, ensuring compliance with AS9100, customer contractual requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality management system processes. This role works closely with Program Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure product conformity, support issue resolution, and promote continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities
• Serve as the primary quality representative for assigned programs from contract review through production and sustainment.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer flow‑down requirements, regulatory standards, and internal QMS procedures.
• Support quality planning activities, including inspection plans, control plans, risk assessments, and contract quality requirement reviews.
• Review and approve AS9102 FAI reports, deviation requests, and nonconformance dispositions.
• Participate in design and production readiness reviews to identify and mitigate quality risks.
• Lead or support customer escape investigations using structured problem‑solving tools to drive effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze quality metrics and audit results to identify trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits with required documentation and expertise.
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, and related documentation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior quality engineers and cross‑functional teams.

Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Minimum of 8 years of Quality Engineering experience with a minimum of 5 years in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience in a program quality role, including MRB participation and authority
• Experience with AS9100 / ISO 9001 and aerospace and defense customer requirements, including AS9102 and AS9103
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, industry and military specifications, and contractual requirements
• Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g. 8D, 5-Why)
• Proven ability to work independently and lead cross-functional initiatives
• Experience supporting internal, customer, and third-party audits
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including customer and supplier interaction
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Work Requirements: Combination of office and manufacturing floor

Preferred Qualifications
• 10+ years of experience in Quality Engineering within aerospace and defense manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience leading hardware and process qualification activities within the defense industry
• Familiarity with R&D manufacturing in the aerospace and defense industry
• Experience with raw materials and polymer processing
• Demonstrated experience in Quality Control, performing receiving, in-process, and final inspections
• Demonstrated experience in supplier quality roles
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and risk-based quality tools

ITAR Requirements:
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.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
Employees in these positions must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; stamina to sit and to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions; may occasionally lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds; may require minimal walking, standing for extended amounts of time, climbing, crouching, and/or bending; and vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. May require the ability to travel by air or auto. May require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coat.

Security Clearance:
May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance at the appropriate level. Requires U.S. Citizenship. Must also be able to satisfy federal government requirements for access to government information, and having dual citizenship may preclude you from being able to meet this requirement.

Benefits at Firehawk Aerospace
At Firehawk, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to provide peace of mind and help you thrive both personally and professionally.
Health Coverage: We offer 100% employer-paid medical premiums for employees and up to 75% coverage for dependents under select plans, with additional options for PPO and HDHP plans. Coverage begins the first of the month following your hire date.
Dental and Vision Plans: Affordable dental and vision plans with extensive coverage options, including preventive care, orthodontics, and allowances for contacts and frames.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free, confidential services, including counseling, legal consultations, wellness coaching, and virtual concierge services to support your work-life balance.
Flexible Work Schedule: Enjoy a 9/80 schedule option, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance.
On-Site Perks: Complimentary snacks and refreshments to keep you energized throughout the day.
Professional Growth: Mentorship opportunities with industry-leading engineers and engagement in cutting-edge projects at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:
Firehawk is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firehawk is governed on the basis of 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.