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Mission Assurance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Mission Assurance Engineer information

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$129.7K

$224K

How much do mission assurance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for mission assurance engineer in the United States is $129,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mission assurance engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mission Assurance Engineer, you need a solid background in systems engineering, risk management, and quality assurance, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards (such as AS9100 or ISO 9001), reliability modeling tools, and configuration management systems is important. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure that mission-critical systems meet rigorous reliability and safety standards, minimizing risks and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Mission Assurance Engineer vs Quality Assurance Engineer?

AspectMission Assurance EngineerQuality Assurance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degrees, security clearances, and specialized certificationsRequires engineering or technical degrees, certifications like ASQ CQE or CQA
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in aerospace, defense, or government sectors focusing on mission successIn manufacturing, software, or product development industries focusing on product quality
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by defense contractors, aerospace firms, and government agenciesCommon in manufacturing, software, and consumer product companies

While both roles focus on ensuring product or system reliability, Mission Assurance Engineers concentrate on mission success and system integrity in high-stakes environments, whereas Quality Assurance Engineers focus on defect prevention and product quality in broader industries.

What is a mission assurance engineer?

Mission Assurance Engineers are professionals responsible for ensuring that products, systems, or missions meet all required safety, reliability, and quality standards throughout their lifecycle. They develop and implement processes to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact mission success, often working in industries such as aerospace, defense, and space exploration. These engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to monitor compliance with regulations and customer requirements, conduct audits, and analyze data to drive continuous improvement. Their work is critical to delivering successful outcomes for complex and high-stakes projects.

How does a mission assurance engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

Mission Assurance Engineers work closely with design, manufacturing, quality, and systems engineering teams to identify and mitigate risks that could impact mission success. They participate in regular project meetings, review technical documentation, and conduct risk assessments alongside other stakeholders. Open communication and coordination are essential, as these engineers act as a bridge between different disciplines to ensure all mission-critical requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.
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What cities are hiring for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Mission Assurance Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs? The top employers for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Mission Assurance Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mission Assurance Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Mission Assurance Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,678 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Quality Mission Assurance Engineer, Sr.

AeroVironment

Simi Valley, CA • On-site

$122K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

Summary

The Sr. Quality Mission Assurance Engineer (QE) is accountable for the overall delivered quality of products and/or services to customers and ensures quality controls are met. The Sr. QE engages Continuous Improvement (CI) resources to identify and eliminate cost drivers, identify, and eliminate flow disruptions and implement visual factory KPI metrics. The Sr. QE establishes effective Problem Reporting and CAPA systems for Containment,

Correction & Prevention Actions and Documentation of non-conformances. The Sr. Quality Mission Assurance Engineer will have either Customer Quality responsibilities or Product Quality responsibilities, in addition to the general responsibilities outlined, utilizing statistical methods to analyze production data to optimize the full production process and drive continuous improvement.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Lead and facilitate implementation of process, and AS9100D internal audits.

  • Coordinate work with Quality Technicians and inspectors as necessary

  • Responsible for driving corrective action and failure analysis

  • Perform training on BMS procedures with workforce, as required. Provides internal auditing support

  • Participate in Product Readiness Reviews (PRR) and coordinate Final Inspection activities

  • Experience and a strong understanding of DMAIC, FMEA, PPAP, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Gage R&R Studies and ANOVA.

  • Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing processes with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency

  • Coordinate Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methodology to drive continuous improvement strategies in productivity, quality, and lead time reduction

  • Perform process capabilities analysis on key characteristics; implementing Inspection and Quality Plans

  • Perform Gemba studies and data collection for the purposes of understanding improvement opportunities in a designated area

  • Lead root cause analysis and problem solving efforts

  • Participate in the design and development of manufacturing workflows and layout of equipment for maximum efficiency

  • Lead collaborative engineering improvement activities alongside other engineering functions and suppliers to improve cost, cycle time, or to drive quality improvement activities

  • Perform hands-on work to support production floor, AV integration, and assembly processes as required

  • Implement best practices and develop standard work

  • Act as a change agent promoting continuous improvement

  • Lead and/or support all phases of quality management

  • Monitor and ensure sustainment of implemented improvements at an operational level

  • Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

  • Minimum of 8 - 12 years of related experience

  • AS9100D Lead Auditor, knowledge of ISO 9001:AS9100

  • Familiar with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies and tools for process development and control

  • Familiar with electro-mechanical manufacturing, ASME Y14.5 (GD&T), procedures, and Bill of Materials

  • Expertise in root cause analysis and problem-solving principles

  • First Article AS9102

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate, interact and communicate with all levels of an organization

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:

  • ASQ CQE

  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt preferred

  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties

  • Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives

  • Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products

  • Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company

  • Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

  • Strong organization skills, able to work well under pressure and manage several tasks simultaneously

  • Follow-through for assignments with a minimum direction and detail oriented

Physical Demands

  • Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)

  • Up to 5% travel may be required

  • Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) orasylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

  • Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

  • Holds a Class C Drivers license in the state of CA.


Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$122,500 - $187,000

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data,sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.

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