Flight Ops, Quality Assurance Specialist II

RED CAT HOLDINGS•Carson, CA

18d•$26 - $42

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Flight Operations Quality Assurance Specialist to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of FlightWave’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during flight testing and operational activities. This role is responsible for verifying that all products meet internal and customer quality standards before and after flight, ensuring full compliance prior to customer delivery. As a key liaison between Production, Engineering, and Flight Test Operations, this position provides technical oversight, supports root cause and corrective action investigations, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance flight readiness, reliability, and operational performance. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of AS9100 quality systems, technical documentation, and aerospace or UAV flight operations procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field; ASQ certification or equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education
2-4 years of experience in quality assurance, flight operations, or UAV maintenance/test environments.
FAA Part 107 knowledge and flight safety familiarity; Remote Pilot Certificate or equivalent experience preferred, or willingness to certify.
Strong attention to detail, ability to follow controlled processes, and maintain accurate records under minimal supervision.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and document control systems (e.g., Net-Inspect, Arena, or equivalent).
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

Nice To Haves

Ability to read technical drawings/specifications.
Knowledge of AS9100 quality systems
Strong understanding of mechanical and/or electrical components and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

Ensure all Flight Operations activities comply with AS9100, FAA Part 107 (or equivalent), and FlightWave internal procedures
Perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections of UAVs, payloads, and related components to verify conformity with build documentation and inspection standards.
Verify calibration and certification status of all flight support equipment and instrumentation prior to test execution.
Perform internal audits of flight operations processes, maintenance practices, and documentation to ensure compliance to internal procedures
Participate in quality reviews, risk assessments, and post-flight evaluations to identify systemic issues and recommend corrective actions.
Maintain accurate and complete records of flight test data, configuration control logs, and maintenance records
Perform root cause analysis (RCCA) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) support for flight-related nonconformances or anomalies.
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Flight Operations and Quality organizations.
Monitor operational KPIs (e.g., flight abort rates, test readiness delays, equipment reliability) and provide reports for management review.
Collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Field Support teams to identify trends and implement process improvements that enhance safety and reliability.
Ensure proper control and traceability of returned flight hardware or test equipment through MRB and nonconformance workflows.
Serve as a liaison between Flight Operations and the Quality Department to communicate requirements, findings, and improvement opportunities.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives