Lead Composites Quality Engineer - Build and Scale Quality Systems for Advanced Manufacturing

Hawthorne, CA | On-site

Opportunity Summary

Join a seed-stage advanced manufacturing company developing next-generation composite production technologies for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. The team is building scalable manufacturing processes that dramatically increase throughput while reducing cost, enabling high-performance composite components to be produced at volumes traditionally unattainable with conventional methods. This role will lead the development of the company's quality infrastructure from the ground up. You will establish the systems, processes, and standards that ensure products consistently meet demanding performance and reliability requirements. As a key early team member, you will work across engineering, manufacturing, operations, suppliers, and customers while helping shape the long-term quality strategy of a rapidly growing organization.

About Us

We are a venture-backed manufacturing startup focused on advancing the production of high-performance composite structures for critical applications. Operating at the intersection of materials science, manufacturing innovation, and product development, our team is building technologies designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and accelerate the deployment of advanced engineered products. As an early-stage company, we offer significant ownership, responsibility, and the opportunity to influence both technology and company direction.

Job Duties

• Lead the development and implementation of the company's quality management system
• Drive efforts toward AS9100 and ISO 9001 certification and ongoing compliance
• Establish inspection, testing, and validation processes for composite components and manufacturing operations
• Develop procedures for non-destructive and destructive testing activities
• Manage nonconformance investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and MRB activities
• Analyze composite defects and failure modes and implement preventative measures
• Define and monitor process control metrics to improve product consistency and manufacturing performance
• Qualify and manage suppliers providing materials, products, and manufacturing services
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to identify quality requirements and production standards
• Support equipment evaluation, technology implementation, and process improvement initiatives
• Perform hands-on inspections, testing, and quality verification activities
• Manage quality-related projects, schedules, and technical deliverables
• Interface with customers and external stakeholders regarding quality requirements and compliance
• Build scalable quality systems and infrastructure to support future production growth
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and operations
• Help recruit, mentor, and develop future quality team members as the organization expands

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status in accordance with applicable export control regulations
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Polymer Science, Composites Engineering, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of experience working with fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials in a manufacturing environment
• Experience developing and implementing quality management systems
• Experience supporting or achieving ISO 9001 and AS9100 certification efforts
• Hands-on experience with composite inspection and non-destructive testing methods
• Strong understanding of composite manufacturing defects, failure mechanisms, and quality control processes
• Experience managing nonconformance reports, corrective actions, and quality investigations
• Experience maintaining and improving quality systems within a growing manufacturing organization
• Experience working with suppliers and vendor qualification processes
• Familiarity with ERP and/or PLM systems
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced startup environment
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on manufacturing environment
• Ability to work full-time on-site

Preferred Experience

• Six Sigma certification or similar quality certification
• Experience with resin systems, polymer characterization, or materials testing
• Experience operating DSC, TGA, or related laboratory equipment
• Experience using metrology equipment such as CMMs, laser scanners, and precision measurement systems
• Experience with composite molding processes, including compression molding, injection molding, or similar manufacturing methods
• Experience with continuous fiber composite manufacturing
• Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience
• Experience working directly with customers to define and manage technical requirements
• Experience supporting small teams or startup environments
• Knowledge of CAD software and GD&T principles
• Experience managing research and development programs
• Experience preparing technical presentations and business cases for leadership teams

Why Join Us

• Significant equity ownership opportunity
• Direct influence on company strategy, technology development, and manufacturing scale-up
• Opportunity to build and own the quality function from an early stage
• Exposure to advanced materials, manufacturing technologies, and product development
• Rapid professional growth in a high-impact startup environment
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer matching contributions
• Paid time off and company-observed holidays
• Company-provided daily lunches

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $200,000

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