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Senior Quality Engineer

Firestorm

Job Location:

San Diego, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 130 - 170

Posted: 3 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Opportunity

Quality at Firestorm isnt a policing function its a competitive advantage. Were looking for a Senior Quality Engineer who understands the difference and wants to build something from the ground up. There is no inherited QMS to maintain no entrenched process to defend. Youll establish the quality foundation for xCell from supplier inputs through manufacturing execution and youll do it on a team that sees quality as everyones job not just yours.

You are someone who is energized by root cause analysis not intimidated by it. You can also sit across from a supplier and drive accountability and then turn around and work shoulder to shoulder with our engineering and manufacturing teams to make sure the fix actually sticks. If youve spent you career closing loops and making things better keep reading.

What Youll Do

Root cause and corrective action (RCCA) this is the core of the role. Youll lead structured investigations on internal manufacturing escapes and supplier nonconformances drive corrective actions to closure and ensure lessons learned actually change how we operate
Supplier quality youll be our primary interface with suppliers on quality issues from nonconforming material disposition through corrective action follow-up and ongoing supplier performance monitoring
In-process and final inspection develop and maintain inspection criteria work instructions and acceptance standards that keep pace with our evolving product line
Nonconforming material (NCMR) management own the process from identification through disposition including MRB participation
Process quality work alongside engineering and manufacturing to ensure quality is designed in not inspected in; support NPI and ECO implementation with a quality lens
QMS foundation contribute to building a quality management system that will ultimately serve all of Firestorm not just xCell
Metrics and reporting define the quality indicators that matter track them and use them to drive improvement
Collaborate with production supervisors and operators to resolve in-process quality escapes and minimize defect rates.
Develop review and maintain process control plans control charts and statistical process control (SPC) metrics as needed.
Analyze process data to identify trends variation sources and improvement opportunities; drive data-driven decision making.
Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste rework and scrap in alignment with continuous improvement goals.
Support customer source inspections and third-party audits as required.
You may need to travel up to 20% if the need arises.
Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

Bachelors 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
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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

AS9100 Lead Auditor certification or internal auditor training.
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT).
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 inspection requirements and challenges associated with additive manufacturing including complex geometries and unique acceptance criteria.

Work Environment

Based 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 USD

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 were 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.

Were 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.

Were 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 youre in the right place.

Why This Role Why Now

xCell is at an inflection point. Fielded systems real customers and an aggressive development roadmap mean quality matters more every day. The person who takes this role will build the quality foundation that scales with us and theyll have the autonomy and organizational support to do it right.

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 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 dont hesitate to reach out to us at so we can provide the support you need.

Required Experience:

Senior IC

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