Senior Quality Engineer

Beehive Industries is dedicated to Powering American Defenseby revolutionizing the design, development, and delivery of jet propulsion systems to support the warfighter. Through the integration of additive manufacturing, the company aims to meet the growing and urgent needs for unmanned aerial defense by dramatically improving a jet engine’s speed to market, fuel efficiency, and cost.

Founded in 2020, the company is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado, with additional facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee, Loveland Ohio, and Mount Vernon, Ohio. Beehive is committed to grow and advance the defense industrial base while manufacturing exclusively in the USA. This role will be located at our Knoxville, Tennessee facility.

Role Overview

The Senior Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and independently executing quality engineering activities within aerospace CNC machining operations to ensure product conformity to engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements. This role applies strong knowledge of GD&T, inspection methods, SPC, and AS9100 quality systems to support First Article Inspections, in-process quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position works closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to resolve quality issues, improve process capability, and ensure consistent compliance in a high-precision production environment.

What You’ll Do...

• Perform and lead dimensional inspection activities using manual and automated metrology tools including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and comparators

• Support and independently execute First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102 requirements

• Interpret complex engineering drawings and apply GD&T principles to verify product conformance

• Develop and maintain inspection plans, control plans, and work instructions for in-process and final inspection
• Support and perform CMM programming and inspection execution (PC-DMIS or similar)

• Develop and implement SPC charts, monitor process capability, and support Cp/Cpk analysis

• Analyze inspection and production data to identify trends, variations, and opportunities for process improvement

• Lead or support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) efforts using structured problem-solving methods (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)

• Identify, document, and disposition nonconforming material using established quality systems (NCR/CAPA processes)

• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to resolve production and machining quality issues

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of Quality Management System (QMS) documentation including calibration records, inspection data, and audit materials

• Support internal and external audits (AS9100, customer audits) and ensure audit readiness

• Assist in developing measurement methods and inspection strategies for new and existing products

• Provide training and guidance to junior Quality staff and production personnel on inspection methods and GD&T application

• Utilize Microsoft Office and quality systems (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, ERP/QMS tools) for reporting and documentation

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, and process variation

• Follow all Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies, procedures, PPE requirements, and hazard reporting expectations

• Perform other duties as assigned

You have...

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• OR Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, inspection, or manufacturing quality roles

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or precision machining environments strongly preferred

• Hands-on experience in AS9100 or ISO 9001 certified manufacturing environments

• Experience performing and/or supporting First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102

• Experience with CMM operation and basic programming (PC-DMIS or similar)

• Experience with SPC implementation, control charts, and basic statistical process analysis

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and ability to apply it in inspection and manufacturing environments

• Proficiency using dimensional inspection tools and metrology equipment

• Working knowledge of CMM programming, inspection execution, and CAD-based inspection concepts

• Strong problem-solving skills using RCCA tools (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)

• Ability to analyze quality data and identify trends, variation, and improvement opportunities

• Solid understanding of AS9100 quality systems, audit requirements, and manufacturing compliance

• Strong communication skills with ability to collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain

• Ability to train and support junior team members on inspection and quality processes

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; familiarity with ERP/QMS systems preferred

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated initiative in driving process improvement and reducing quality escapes

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Nice to have...

• Advanced CMM programming experience (PC-DMIS, Calypso, or equivalent)

• Experience in additive manufacturing or hybrid machining environments

• Experience supporting AS9100 audits or customer quality audits

• Familiarity with MSA (Gauge R&R, capability studies)

• Experience with supplier quality or external vendor coordination

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt certification

• Experience developing inspection strategies for new product introduction (NPI)

• Strong “shop floor presence” and hands-on problem-solving mindset

If this sounds like you, please submit an application with your resume. This could be the opportunity you are looking for to expand your skills, contribute to a winning team, and work with talented people who love what they do and take pride in our mission.

Beehive Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at Beehive Industries is bonus eligible and will also receive equity in the company.

Beehive Industries is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.