Quality Engineer II

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

About The Position

SIERRA SPACE is seeking a motivated and solution-oriented Quality Engineer for the Dream Chaser spacecraft program. The ideal candidate will excel in a demanding, fast-paced, and evolving environment where they will work as a proactive member of the quality team, focusing on enabling production rather than traditional gatekeeping. This individual takes pride in thoroughness, follow-through, cross-organizational communication skills, and attention to requirements conformance while facilitating timely solutions. Quality Engineers play a critical role in helping the team achieve the optimal balance between technical risk, cost, and schedule. Rather than simply enforcing standards, this position requires someone who can help lead thoughtful risk-based decisions, understand the broader program implications of quality issues, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to find solutions that maintain quality standards while supporting program objectives. A successful candidate will recognize when perfect is the enemy of good enough and will help the team make informed decisions about when to accept appropriate risk and when to hold the line on quality requirements. This role involves designing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance protocols and methods for processing materials into partially finished or finished products. Through a detailed understanding of the build processes and design requirements, this team member will be a key stakeholder in ensuring the Dream Chaser spacecraft achieves all quality objectives while maintaining program schedule and cost targets.

Requirements

Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
Typically 2+ years of related experience.
Basic understanding of Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA).
Basic Internal Audit Training.

Nice To Haves

Certifications in quality assurance or inspection (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer).
Experience in a manufacturing or quality assurance environment.
Proficiency with quality management systems and standards (e.g., ISO 9001).
Experience with advanced quality assurance tools and techniques, such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
Familiarity with quality management software and databases.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience conducting internal audits and implementing corrective actions.

Responsibilities

Design methods and procedures for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision and accuracy of production processes, equipment, and finished products
Oversee or conduct inspections and tests to ensure products meet quality standards and specifications
Analyze data to identify trends and proactively recommend improvements in production processes and quality assurance protocols
Contribute to innovative, time-saving, and cost-effective improvements to help streamline quality processes
Monitor existing processes to develop tools and methods to reduce manufacturing build hours and quality issues, increase production rates, and remove waste from complex processes
Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, planning, and procurement teams to address changes and shepherd them through fruition on the production floor
Demonstrate thought agility and positive leadership when collectively solving build problems that require agreement across Design, Quality, and Manufacturing organizations
Provide guidance to technicians, engineers, and other quality assurance personnel related to drawing and spacecraft requirements
Serve as a bridge builder between departments, using strong interpersonal skills to influence without authority
Document quality assurance activities and maintain accurate records
Utilize knowledge of electrical and mechanical drawings along with familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Ensure compliance with IPC and NASA requirements
Apply understanding of Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)
Actively participate in Corrective Action Reports (CAR) with a focus on solutions rather than blame