Quality Engineer III
- ITAR / US person
- IPC J-STD-001
- IPC-A-610
How this pay compares
This posting states $101k–$126k a year. Open quality engineer jobs in California post a median of $128k a year, the middle half $93.7k–$158k, across 178 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
Quality engineers and inspectors in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
The Quality Engineer III is responsible for risk analysis, control plans, inspection, supplier quality, and metrology methodology activities. They also ensure customer requirements are defined and all project deliverables meet customer, internal and regulatory requirements including all applicable standards.
- Learn manufacturing processes and actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and cost performance using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
- Support the nonconforming material process by documenting nonconformances, participating in Material Review Board (MRB) activities, tracking dispositions to closure, and contributing to containment actions, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) metrics
- Collect, compile, and analyze quality data (e.g., yield, scrap, rework, and defect trends); prepare charts and reports for quality leadership; and participate in internal and customer reviews, presentations, and discussions to support quality improvement initiatives
- Assist in the development and maintenance of inspection plans, quality records, and workmanship documentation in accordance with AS9100D and customer requirements
- Support supplier quality activities by documenting supplier nonconformances and compiling supplier performance metrics
- Learn and apply electronic assembly workmanship standards, including IPC-A-610, IPC-A-620, and J-STD-001, through formal training and hands-on manufacturing experience
- Support compliance with ESD (ANSI/ESD S20.20), Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention, and counterfeit parts prevention activities
- Assist in compiling, auditing, and maintaining product compliance documentation, including End Item Data Packages (EIDPs), First Article Inspection (FAI) documentation per AS9102, source inspection records, and other quality documentation
- Lead corrective actions, including changes to procedures to ensure completeness and currency
- Support internal audits and assist with customer, DCMA, and third-party AS9100D audits
- Support root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations using structured problem-solving tools, including 5 Whys and fishbone diagrams, under the guidance of senior engineers
- Mentor junior quality engineers and inspectors; provide technical guidance on standards interpretation and problem-solving methods
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field of study
- Minimum five (5) years of experience in a specialized functional discipline
- OR (9) years of experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelors Degree
- OR (3) years of experience may be considered w/ a Masters Degree
- Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies is a plus
- Ability to obtain and/or maintain a Security Clearance
About Frontgrade
At Frontgrade, we build mission-critical electronics that perform without compromise in the world’s most demanding environments, from deep space to national defense. With decades of proven heritage, we deliver high-reliability components, subsystems, and integrated solutions trusted when failure is not an option. But our strength is not just in what we build. It is in the people who make it possible. From engineers and product managers to sales teams, marketers, and skilled manufacturing professionals, every role plays a direct part in enabling missions that protect, explore, and connect our world. We move with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and take pride in delivering solutions our customers rely on in the highest-stakes environments. If you want your work, whatever your specialty, to contribute to something bigger, you will find your place at Frontgrade.
Why Work for Us
We believe mission success starts with taking care of our people. That’s why we offer competitive health, wealth, and wellbeing benefits from day one. You’ll also find real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance, whether you’re building technical expertise, leading teams, or expanding into new areas. Here, your growth is part of the mission.
Additional Information
This position may require access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition of any job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you may need to obtain a U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law.
Other benefits include
- Immediate Medical (FSA and HSA), Dental, and Vision
- 401K Match with 100% immediate vesting
- 9X80 compressed work schedule for qualifying roles
- Career Opportunity and Growth
- Tuition Reimbursement/Student Loan Repayment
- Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (a combination of both designated and floating holidays)
- 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave
From Frontgrade Technologies's job posting, checked 10 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
AeroteamsEngineering and technical staffing agency
Aviation staffing firm in Greensboro, North Carolina, placing A&P mechanics, inspectors, sheet metal, paint and fuel tank technicians on contract with aircraft maintenance and modification teams nationwide.
Places: Technicians, Quality
Sterling EngineeringEngineering and technical staffing agency
Engineering and technical staffing firm for manufacturers, aerospace suppliers among them.
Places: Mechanical, Technicians, Quality
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New quality and mission assurance jobs in space in California, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About Frontgrade Technologies
Radiation-hardened microelectronics, RF and power parts that fly on spacecraft.
Pay on its listings: 100% of its open jobs state their pay
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Frontgrade Technologies's own payroll, as each posting states.
More open jobs at Frontgrade Technologies
- Planner I$28.95–$35.47/hr
- Territory Growth Manager - Integrated Solutions, RF Systems$122,000–$160,000/yr
- Hybrid Assembler C$25.85/hr
- Planner II$57,000–$70,000/yr
- Planner III$73,000–$92,000/yr
- Assembler III (Aerospace & Defense)$22.87–$28.03/hr
More quality and mission assurance jobs in space
A quality or mission assurance professional?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
Frontgrade Technologies openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from Frontgrade Technologies's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.