Quality Manager - Aerospace Composites

Quality Manager - Advanced Composites Manufacturing and InspectionHawthorne, California | On-siteOpportunity SummaryA rapidly growing aerospace and defense startup developing next-generation composite manufacturing technologies is seeking a Quality Manager to lead the development of the company’s quality systems, composite inspection infrastructure, and manufacturing quality operations. The team is focused on scaling advanced composite production processes capable of manufacturing complex aerospace and defense hardware at significantly greater speed, throughput, and efficiency than traditional manufacturing approaches. This role will serve as the primary owner of the company’s quality organization with a strong emphasis on composite inspection, defect analysis, process validation, and quality system development. The Quality Manager will be deeply involved in hands-on inspection and manufacturing quality execution while simultaneously building the long-term systems, procedures, and organizational infrastructure required to support production scale-up. The position is ideal for someone who enjoys operating directly on the manufacturing floor, solving complex composite quality challenges, and building a scalable quality organization from the ground up within a fast-moving hardware environment.About UsWe are an early-stage advanced manufacturing company developing scalable composite production technologies for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Our engineering and manufacturing teams operate in a highly technical environment focused on rapid process development, advanced materials engineering, and production scalability. Engineers work closely across manufacturing, quality, materials, and product development disciplines to bring production-capable composite systems from concept through commercialization and high-rate manufacturing.Job DutiesBuild and lead the company’s quality management systems and composite inspection infrastructure from the ground upDrive AS9100 and ISO9001 certification readiness efforts across manufacturing and engineering operationsDevelop quality standards, inspection procedures, manufacturing controls, and process documentation for composite production operationsPerform hands-on inspection and evaluation of composite hardware using destructive and non-destructive testing methodsLead composite defect analysis efforts involving delamination, porosity, fiber alignment, resin distribution, voids, cracking, and structural inconsistenciesDevelop scalable inspection methodologies and quality workflows capable of supporting rapid manufacturing growthEstablish non-conformance management systems, MRB processes, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiativesWork directly on the manufacturing floor with engineering and production teams to troubleshoot quality issues and improve process repeatabilitySupport development of process control systems focused on manufacturing consistency, yield improvement, and defect reductionHelp define and implement metrology capabilities, inspection technologies, and quality equipment for composite manufacturing operationsSupport supplier qualification, incoming inspection standards, and vendor quality management activitiesAssist with scaling the quality department, building future quality team structure, and establishing long-term operational standardsPartner closely with manufacturing, materials, engineering, and leadership teams to improve production readiness and product reliabilitySupport technical project execution, manufacturing readiness, and production scale-up activities within a rapidly evolving startup environmentQualifications7+ years of experience supporting quality engineering, manufacturing quality, or quality systems within composite manufacturing environmentsStrong hands-on experience working with fiber-reinforced composite materials and aerospace composite manufacturing processesExperience building, implementing, or maintaining AS9100 and ISO9001 compliant quality systemsDeep familiarity with composite inspection methodologies including ultrasonic testing, CT inspection, tap testing, dimensional inspection, or related NDT techniquesExperience analyzing composite defects and material failure modes including porosity, delamination, resin-rich areas, fiber distortion, and structural inconsistenciesExperience supporting non-conformance management, MRB activities, corrective actions, and manufacturing quality investigationsFamiliarity with process control development and manufacturing quality optimization within production environmentsStrong understanding of composite manufacturing workflows, process variability, and production quality requirementsExperience working with PLM, ERP, or manufacturing data systemsStrong problem-solving capability and ability to operate effectively within fast-moving startup environmentsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Science, or related technical disciplineComfortable working directly within hands-on manufacturing and production environmentsPreferred ExperienceExperience supporting aerospace or defense composite manufacturing operationsFamiliarity with compression molding, injection molding, continuous fiber layups, or advanced composite production methodsExperience operating metrology equipment including CMMs, laser scanners, CT systems, or advanced inspection toolsExperience with resin chemistry, materials characterization, or laboratory analysis equipmentFamiliarity with Six Sigma, SPC methodologies, or statistical quality systemsExperience supporting supplier quality and manufacturing scale-up initiativesExperience working within early-stage startups or rapidly scaling manufacturing organizationsExposure to CAD, GD&T, or engineering drawing interpretationExperience leading or scaling quality teams within manufacturing organizationsWhy Join UsOpportunity to build and scale the quality organization for a next-generation composites manufacturing companyHigh ownership role with direct impact on production quality, inspection capability, and manufacturing scalabilityHands-on engineering environment focused on advanced composite technologies and real-world hardware executionEarly-stage company with significant opportunities for technical growth, leadership, and long-term influenceStock options and long-term growth opportunityMedical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with employer matchingDaily lunches provided by the companyPaid time off and company holidaysCompensation Details$150,000 - $200,000