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Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Laborup

Quality Engineer & Manager

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Lead quality for critical aerospace & defense programs: Take meaningful ownership of quality ... Work across the shop floor, engineering, leadership, suppliers, and customers with the authority to ...

Laborup

Quality Engineer & Manager

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Lead quality for critical aerospace & defense programs: Take meaningful ownership of quality ... Work across the shop floor, engineering, leadership, suppliers, and customers with the authority to ...

Laborup

Quality Engineer & Manager

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Lead quality for critical aerospace & defense programs: Take meaningful ownership of quality ... Work across the shop floor, engineering, leadership, suppliers, and customers with the authority to ...

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Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer information

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$44K

$90.2K

$146K

How much do aerospace defense quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace defense quality engineer in the United States is $90,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace defense quality engineer do?

An Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that aerospace and defense products meet strict quality and regulatory standards. They develop and implement quality assurance processes, conduct inspections, analyze data to identify defects, and work with engineering teams to resolve quality issues. These engineers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety, reliability, and compliance of products such as aircraft, missiles, and defense systems. Their work helps prevent failures and ensures that all systems meet governmental and industry requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace defense quality engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer, you generally need a solid background in engineering or quality assurance, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering and experience with industry standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001. Familiarity with quality management systems, statistical process control software, and tools like FMEA or Six Sigma certifications is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and ensuring compliance. These competencies are vital for maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards critical to aerospace and defense product reliability.

How does an aerospace defense quality engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the production lifecycle?

Aerospace Defense Quality Engineers work closely with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure that all components and systems meet stringent industry and government standards. They participate in design reviews, coordinate with suppliers on quality requirements, and conduct root cause analyses when issues arise. Frequent communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers often lead problem-solving initiatives and support continuous process improvement throughout the product lifecycle. This collaborative approach ensures that safety, reliability, and compliance are maintained at every stage of production.

What is the difference between Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer vs Aerospace Manufacturing Quality Engineer?

AspectAerospace Defense Quality EngineerAerospace Manufacturing Quality Engineer
CertificationsASQ CQE, AS9100 auditorASQ CQE, AS9100 auditor
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, military projectsCommercial aerospace manufacturing
Industry UsagePrimarily in defense and military sectorsPrimarily in commercial aerospace production

Both roles focus on quality assurance within aerospace, requiring similar certifications like ASQ CQE and AS9100. However, Aerospace Defense Quality Engineers typically work on defense projects and military contracts, while Aerospace Manufacturing Quality Engineers are involved in commercial aerospace manufacturing. The roles overlap in skills and certifications but differ mainly in project focus and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer jobs?

For Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Defense Quality Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,170 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Senior Quality Engineer - Aerospace & Defense

Caledonia, MS • On-site

Mohr Talent
See more jobs at Mohr Talentexternal

$70K - $95K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Senior Quality Engineer – Aerospace & Defense Senior Quality Engineer – Aerospace & Defense

Caledonia, Mississippi Direct Hire $85000 /

Job Description Senior Quality Engineer – Aerospace & Defense

A growing defense manufacturing organization near Columbus, Mississippi is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to strengthen product quality, manufacturing compliance, and quality-system performance across complex aerospace and defense programs.

This is a hands-on position for an experienced Quality Engineer who can support production, lead investigations and audits, interpret technical requirements, and help maintain an AS9100-compliant Quality Management System.

What You’ll Be Doing
  • Develop and maintain quality procedures, inspection requirements, control plans, and sampling plans.
  • Support compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, customer specifications, and internal Quality Management System requirements.
  • Lead internal audits and support customer, registrar, and regulatory audits.
  • Investigate nonconformances and drive root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive actions.
  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, key characteristics, and critical product requirements.
  • Support First Article Inspection documentation and production-readiness activities.
  • Analyze quality data, identify trends, and recommend measurable process and product improvements.
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and customers to resolve quality and compliance concerns.
  • Monitor production and inspection activities to ensure products meet customer and contractual requirements.
What We’re Looking For
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience within aerospace, defense, aviation, precision manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry.
  • Direct experience working within an AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with internal audits, nonconformance management, root-cause analysis, and corrective action.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Knowledge of First Article Inspection, preferably AS9102.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, communication, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
Highly Preferred
  • NADCAP experience.
  • ASQ certification.
  • Experience with PPAP, APQP, SPC, MSA, PFMEA, 8D, CAPA, or supplier quality.
  • Experience supporting defense programs or government-contract manufacturing.
  • Prior experience working directly with customer or regulatory auditors.

U.S. citizenship is required due to applicable government contract and security requirements. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance if required.

Full-time | Onsite | Bonus Eligible | Benefits | Relocation Assistance

Senior Quality Engineer – Aerospace & Defense

Caledonia, MS | $85,000–$125,000 Base + Bonus + Benefits + Relocation Assistance

A growing defense manufacturing organization near Columbus, Mississippi is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to strengthen product quality, manufacturing compliance, and quality-system performance across complex aerospace and defense programs.

This is a hands-on position for an experienced Quality Engineer who can support production, lead investigations and audits, interpret technical requirements, and help maintain an AS9100-compliant Quality Management System.

What You’ll Be Doing
  • Develop and maintain quality procedures, inspection requirements, control plans, and sampling plans.
  • Support compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, customer specifications, and internal Quality Management System requirements.
  • Lead internal audits and support customer, registrar, and regulatory audits.
  • Investigate nonconformances and drive root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive actions.
  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, key characteristics, and critical product requirements.
  • Support First Article Inspection documentation and production-readiness activities.
  • Analyze quality data, identify trends, and recommend measurable process and product improvements.
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, and customers to resolve quality and compliance concerns.
  • Monitor production and inspection activities to ensure products meet customer and contractual requirements.
What We’re Looking For
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience within aerospace, defense, aviation, precision manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry.
  • Direct experience working within an AS9100-certified manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with internal audits, nonconformance management, root-cause analysis, and corrective action.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Knowledge of First Article Inspection, preferably AS9102.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, communication, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
Highly Preferred
  • NADCAP experience.
  • ASQ certification.
  • Experience with PPAP, APQP, SPC, MSA, PFMEA, 8D, CAPA, or supplier quality.
  • Experience supporting defense programs or government-contract manufacturing.
  • Prior experience working directly with customer or regulatory auditors.

U.S. citizenship is required due to applicable government contract and security requirements. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance if required.

Full-time | Onsite | Bonus Eligible | Benefits | Relocation Assistance

MOHR Talent is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been discriminated against or have concerns about our compliance, please contact our Human Resources department at hr@themohrgrp.com

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Job Summary

Published: 8/17/2026

Type: Direct Hire

Location: Caledonia, Mississippi

At MOHR Talent, your progress is our passion. We are a national, minority-owned firm committed to empowering diverse talent. Our team provides personalized, growth-driven solutions whether you are looking for a new career move or eager to drive your enterprise further.

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