Freelance 3Rd Engineer Maritime Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Maritime Manufacturing Technology team is responsible for rapidly developing and implementing manufacturing technologies and processes for cutting-edge defense hardware, including deployable static and moving surface, undersea and sea to air vehicles and scaling these products in our new manufacturing facilities.

We are looking for a Quality Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Santa Ana, CA. The Quality Engineer for our Maritime team is a critical role responsible for ensuring our autonomous surface and undersea systems are built to the most stringent standards, blending the speed and innovation of a technology company with the discipline and rigor required for national security.
You will be the authority on quality for programs that operate in the harshest environments on Earth. This role requires a hands-on, first-principles approach to developing and enforcing quality systems that meet and exceed AS9100 and specific Naval Sea Systems Command (NavSea) standards. You will not just be checking boxes; you will be building the quality foundation for the next generation of naval technology.

• Develop, implement, and sustain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that is compliant with AS9100 and tailored to include specific NavSea requirements for maritime hardware.
• Champion quality on the manufacturing floor. Implement and monitor statistical process controls (SPC), conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase first-pass yield and reduce scrap.
• Act as the subject matter expert for interpreting and flowing down NavSea standards and technical publications (e.g., material traceability, welding certifications, testing protocols) into actionable manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Lead the Material Review Board (MRB) to disposition non-conforming product. Drive the Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) process using methodologies like 8D and 5 Whys to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with the supply chain team to qualify, audit, and manage suppliers of critical components and special processes (e.g., welding, coatings, pressure testing), ensuring compliance with all prime contract and regulatory requirements.
• Develop comprehensive inspection plans, work instructions, and criteria for receiving, in-process, and final inspection. Lead First Article Inspections (FAIs) in accordance with AS9102.
• Plan and execute internal and supplier audits to ensure system-wide compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. Serve as a primary point of contact during customer and third-party audits.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality. Analyze data to identify trends, report on QMS performance to leadership, and drive strategic improvements.

• 8+ years of experience in a Quality Engineering role within a manufacturing environment for aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience implementing, maintaining, and being audited against an AS9100 certified Quality Management System.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.) and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Experience leading First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102.
• Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and the ability to interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

• Direct, hands-on experience with NavSea standards and requirements (e.g., SUBSAFE, NAVSEA S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248 for welding, material control specifications, technical publication adherence).
• Experience in the production of maritime systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), or related pressure vessel and submersible hardware.
• Experience with quality control for special processes such as composite fabrication, welding, complex electro-mechanical assembly, and environmental/pressure testing.
• ASQ certification (Certified Quality Engineer - CQE, Certified Quality Auditor - CQA) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-mix, rapid development environment where speed and rigor must coexist.
• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software.