Senior Process Quality Engineer (PQE)

Firestorm

Firestorm

Quality Assurance

San Diego, CA, USA

USD 130k-170k / year + Equity

Posted on May 30, 2026
Senior Process Quality Engineer (PQE)
San Diego, CA
Operations
In office
Full-time
Firestorm is looking for a Senior Process Quality Engineer (PQE) who will be responsible for ensuring that manufacturing processes meet established quality standards. You will drive Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives, support root cause analysis and corrective action activities (RCCA), and collaborate cross-functionally to develop and maintain robust process controls. In addition, you will serve as a key quality resource on the production floor and contribute directly to the organization's quality management system (QMS).
What You’ll Do
  • Develop in-process and final inspections to verify conformance to engineering drawings, work instructions, and customer specifications.
  • Review and disposition nonconforming material (NCMRs), initiating and tracking corrective action as required.
  • Conduct first article inspections (FAI) in accordance with AS9102 and applicable customer requirements.
  • Collaborate with production supervisors and operators to resolve in-process quality escapes and minimize defect rates.
  • Maintain and update inspection records, quality logs, and QMS documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities and support use/repair disposition decisions.
  • Develop, review, and maintain process control plans, control charts, and statistical process control (SPC) metrics.
  • Lead or support failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) activities for new and existing manufacturing processes.
  • Define and document process parameters, inspection criteria, and acceptance standards in work instructions and quality plans.
  • Analyze process data to identify trends, variation sources, and improvement opportunities; drive data-driven decision making.
  • Collaborate with engineering during new product introduction (NPI) and ECO implementation to ensure process quality is maintained.
  • Support process validation and qualification activities.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, rework, and scrap in alignment with continuous improvement goals.
  • Contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of the Quality Management System.
  • Prepare quality metrics and performance reports for management review and customer reporting.
  • Support customer source inspections and third-party audits as required.
  • Interface with suppliers on quality-related issues when manufacturing process nonconformances involve purchased material.
  • Mentor junior quality personnel and cross-train production staff on quality standards and inspection methods.
  • You may need to travel up to 10%, if the need arises.
  • Perform other duties as needed
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, Manufacturing, or related discipline) or in lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years’ experience of relative experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
  • Be eligible for an export license from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
  • 5+ years of progressive quality engineering experience in an aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with Continuous Improvement (CI) tools and methodologies.
  • Experience working within an AS9100 (Rev D preferred) or equivalent quality management system.
  • Experience with inspection tools and measurement techniques (i.e. CMM, GD&T interpretation, and/or calibration practices).
  • Experience conducting or supporting root cause analysis (RCCA) using structured methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, etc.).
  • Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and/or GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
  • Experience with statistical quality tools: i.e. SPC, Cpk/Ppk, MSA, and/or control charts.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications
  • AS9100 Lead Auditor certification or internal auditor training.
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT).
  • Data analysis experience.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification or equivalent CI methodologies and tools.
  • Experience with FMEA, control plans, PPAP and/or APQP methodologies.
  • Experience supporting DCMA, FAA, or other regulatory audits.
  • Familiarity with NADCAP special process requirements (heat treat, NDT, welding, etc.).
  • Familiarity with inspection requirements and challenges associated with additive manufacturing, including complex geometries and unique acceptance criteria.
Work Environment
  • Working on-site at our Headquarters in San Diego, CA.
  • We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating. Relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate.
Compensation
US Salary Range: $130-170k
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve.
Who We Are
At Firestorm, we're building toward a future defined by incontestable defense logistics. That means equipping warfighters with mission-critical capabilities at the point of need. Not in months, not from a depot halfway around the world, but now, in the field, on demand.
We're a VC-backed defense technology company pioneering an expeditionary manufacturing ecosystem that produces and sustains modular, mission-adaptable unmanned systems, parts and components for repair and sustainment, and the software to transform point solutions into a network of strategic assets.
We're building a team of engineers, operators, and problem-solvers who believe the future of deterrence cannot rely only on expensive, exquisite platforms made in centralized factories. We build and field affordable systems using distributed production capabilities at the edge. If you want to solve challenging problems that will reshape the future of defense, you're in the right place.
Benefits & Perks
Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
  • We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
  • Equity grants for new hires
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July & December.
  • Generous Parental Leave
  • Lifestyle Spending Account
  • FSA
  • DCFSA
  • HSA
  • Hospital Indemnity insurance
  • Critical Illness insurance
  • Accident insurance
  • Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
  • Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
Export Control Compliance
To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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 otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.
Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] so we can provide the support you need.
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Req ID: R223
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