Aerospace Quality Engineer – Satellite / Flight Hardware (Part-Time Contract) at SQA Services – Seattle, Washington

SQA Services is seeking an Aerospace Quality Engineer to support a major aerospace satellite (space flight hardware) program. This role is a replacement position for an ongoing project that is now moving forward.

This is a 0.8 FTE contract role (approximately 32 hours per week / 4 days per week). The position requires a hands-on, floor-based QE with strong experience supporting flight hardware, WOAs, and quality oversight in production environments.

The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and experienced in major aerospace workmanship standards, capable of supporting documentation review, nonconformance management, and overall quality execution while the internal team ramps up.

• Provide on-the-floor quality engineering support for major aerospace satellite / space flight hardware production
• Review and validate Work Order Authorizations (WOAs), procedures, travelers, and internal documentation
• Ensure compliance with major aerospace workmanship standards, AS9100, and program requirements
• Review, document, and support disposition of nonconformances (NCRs)
• Support in-process, final, and first article inspections
• Identify risks, gaps, and potential quality escapes; take proactive corrective action
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to resolve issues
• Support quality system adherence, documentation control, and process improvement

• 5+ years of experience as a Quality Engineer supporting aerospace or space flight hardware
• Direct experience working on satellite or major aerospace -related programs
• Experience supporting actuators, gas generators, or mortar systems
• Strong hands-on experience with WOAs, travelers, procedures, and NCRs
• Working knowledge of NASA workmanship standards, including:
  • IPC-A-610 / J-STD-001
  • IPC-620 w/ Space Addendum or NASA-STD-8739.4
  • NASA-STD-8739.1B
• Comfortable working on the manufacturing floor with flight hardware
• Strong understanding of AS9100 and aerospace quality systems
• Strong communication and documentation skills

• Current or prior major aerospace workmanship certifications (training can be provided if experience aligns)
• Experience supporting satellite subsystems, propulsion components, or flight assemblies
• Familiarity with risk analysis, root cause analysis, and corrective actions (RCCA, FMEA)
• Experience working in high-visibility or recovery/stabilization environments
• Familiarity with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, EMC)