QA Inspector

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Quality Assurance Inspector at our facility in Mojave, CA.  In this role, the individual operating in this capacity will support all quality aspects of the vehicle manufacturing assembly-line, to include evaluating the quality of Stratolaunch part manufacturing and assembly, with a focus on systems and components dimensional and electrical inspection.  You will contribute to the team responsible for inspecting Stratolaunch parts before they are integrated onto the flight vehicle and documenting non-conformances when they arise.  You will also participate in corrective or continuous improvement actions with the manufacturing team and contribute ideas to company processes that improve part quality.  This role will contribute to Stratolaunch’s Quality Management System, assisting Stratolaunch operations personnel, and instilling a culture where safety and quality are second nature.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform all Quality inspection functions on advanced aerospace vehicles, per specifications
• Use quality development knowledge and skills to develop and deploy effective and efficient methods for verifying and accepting processes and parts, including the use of quantitative and qualitative methods
• Work with Manufacturing, Engineering, and the Procurement team to evaluate the quality of Stratolaunch and supplier parts
• Identify, investigate, and document non-conformances and quality escapes in accordance with the Stratolaunch Quality Management System
• Assist in root cause corrective action analysis for non-conformances
• Maintain and properly fill out all quality-related documentation
• Assist technicians with problem solving on the floor, supporting key manufacturing, assembly, and final inspection processes
• Perform audits of systems, processes, products and documentation
• Perform acceptance and receiving inspections, as required
• Demonstrate honesty, responsibility, integrity and fulfillment of commitments
• Perform other duties as assigned by Quality Management

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of, and experience with aircraft and/or launch quality assurance inspection techniques, quality management systems, and aerospace vehicle assembly
• Ability to implement and document quality inspection procedures
• Experience with reading, analyzing, or developing work instructions
• Excellent written & verbal communication
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work on your own initiative and prioritize tasking to fit within the business goals
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to obtain security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience in quality management system requirements (such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949)
• Experience with non-destructive inspection methods for composites and metallics
• Experience with air launch systems or commercial space programs
• Experience with government agencies
• Active security clearance
• Experience with electrical/electronics inspection methods and IPC 620
• Experience with various dimensional inspection gauges and techniques, including CMM
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Required Computer Skills:

• Quality Management System software tools
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook)

Preferred Computer Skills

• Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
• Statistical analysis applications (Minitab or equivalent)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• QA Inspector Level I ($27.00-$39.00): 1-5 years’ experience in manufacturing, quality assurance, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• QA Inspector Level II ($36.50-$45.00): 5-10 years’ experience in aerospace manufacturing, quality assurance, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• QA Inspector Level III ($46.25-$52.90): 10+ years’ experience in aerospace manufacturing, quality assurance, OR equivalent combination of education and experience

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

• Position based in Mojave, CA.
• Position requires significant interaction on the shop floor with the Materials and Processes, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Program Management teams
• Travel, as needed, to support the department.  Travel estimated to be <5%
• 9/80 schedule

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s) : 

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.  

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. 

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law  :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf