Quality Engineer

Job Title: Quality Engineer - Space Systems (Solar Array Manufacturing)Job DescriptionThis role focuses on ensuring the reliability and performance of advanced solar array systems used in space applications. The Quality Engineer works across engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to drive quality excellence throughout the full product lifecycle, from development through production and customer delivery, within a highly regulated aerospace environment.Responsibilities+ Lead program-level quality assurance activities to ensure all products meet AS9100 and customer requirements.+ Drive thorough root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for quality issues.+ Perform internal and external quality inspections and audits to ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer standards.+ Monitor and analyze quality metrics, identifying trends, systemic issues, and opportunities for continuous improvement.+ Partner closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to develop and implement robust quality plans, processes, and controls for space flight manufacturing.+ Support and oversee quality control activities related to solar array manufacturing and other space hardware to ensure high reliability.+ Serve as a primary point of contact for customer quality communication, issue resolution, and ongoing quality support.+ Contribute to building and sustaining a zero-defect culture within a highly regulated aerospace and space manufacturing environment.+ Participate in and support the maintenance and improvement of the quality management system, including documentation and process updates.+ Support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) or similar qualification activities as needed to validate new or changed components and processes.Essential Skills+ Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related STEM field.+ 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, ideally within aerospace, space, or advanced manufacturing environments.+ Strong working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management systems.+ Hands-on experience with quality assurance, quality control, and quality engineering in a manufacturing setting.+ Proven experience leading root cause investigations and executing CAPA to address and prevent quality issues.+ Demonstrated experience performing audits and inspections, both internal and external, to verify compliance with quality standards.+ Experience working with quality management systems and related documentation and processes.+ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret quality data and drive data-based decisions.+ Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and program teams.+ Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.+ Ability to meet ITAR requirementsAdditional Skills & Qualifications+ Master's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related STEM discipline.+ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar professional quality certification.+ Experience with aerospace or space hardware, particularly solar arrays or other high-reliability systems.+ Experience with manufacturing for space flight and associated quality and reliability requirements.+ Familiarity with Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) or similar qualification methodologies.+ Demonstrated ability to support and promote a zero-defect, continuous improvement culture.Work EnvironmentYou will work in a collaborative and innovative environment focused on next-generation space infrastructure and solar array manufacturing for space applications. The role involves close interaction with cross-functional teams in engineering, manufacturing, and program management within a highly regulated aerospace quality framework. You will use established quality management systems aligned with AS9100 and ISO 9001, and you will regularly engage in audits, inspections, and data-driven improvement activities. The environment is fast-paced, mission-driven, and offers opportunities to contribute directly to cutting-edge space technology. Team members benefit from a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, as well as a strong commitment to professional development and long-term career growth.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Goleta, CA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $52.00 - $60.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Goleta,CA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 2026.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.