Quality Inspector IV – Launch Operations Strategy & Ops

Quality Inspector IV – Launch Operations Own the comprehensive quality inspection program for launch hardware from acceptance to launch readiness

Location:

California, United States

Compensation: $48 - 58 USD / hour

Job Tags:
Strategy & Ops

As an end-to-end responsive space company, Firefly Aerospace is on a mission to enable our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. Our small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles allow us to service the entire lifecycle of government and commercial missions from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. We utilize carbon composite structures, patented propulsion technologies, and common components across our vehicles to iterate quickly, improve reliability, and deliver payloads at a lower cost.

Quality Assurance owns the processes and tools by which Firefly identifies, contains, eliminates, and prevents non-conformances. Quality is charged with defining and maintaining the processes and tools which prove product capabilities meet requirements and result in a predictably economical and reliable product.

The Firefly Quality Inspector is responsible for inspection and acceptance of qualification and flight hardware and software products. Verifying that all key performance and design characteristics are met prior to launch, Quality Inspectors play a critical role in ensuring mission success. This position is located at our launch site in Vandenberg, CA.

• Perform inspections on launch vehicle components and sub-assemblies (mechanical, electrical, electro‑mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic), focused on system integration and launch.
• Develop and execute detailed inspection programs which assure adherence to design, specification, and testing requirements - ensuring that all actions required for product acceptance are conducted accurately and efficiently.
• Document non-conformances in accordance with prescribed procedures and process as required.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to investigate and resolve non‑conformance or quality issues, including development and implementation of robust corrective actions to prevent reoccurrences.
• Quarantine and process non‑conforming product.
• Maintain tool control and calibration processes within assigned work center - including validation of metrology systems.
• Participate in technical operations and offer guidance and/or serve as an additional technical resource.
• Initiate and execute plans to improve product quality and inspection efficiency.
• Apply 5S workplace organization & follow the Lean initiatives.
• Support manufacturing compliance to customer and internal specifications to meet contractual and mission requirements.
• It is possible that this job will require you to work in confined/restricted spaces.
• Frequent travel to Briggs, TX for training and integration/test familiarization.
• Maintain schedule flexibility to support launch operations, including coverage across first and second shifts as mission needs require.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• 10+ years of hands‑on experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing quality inspection, with demonstrated lead experience providing technical direction, mentoring inspectors, and serving as a subject matter expert in GD&T, dimensional inspection, and non‑conformance resolution in a mission‑critical environment.
• Demonstrated ability to read technical information, follow technical instructions, and understand technical drawings, specifications, IPC standards, GD&T, and related quality control documentation and standards.
• Experience with standards and/or equivalent quality, military, or government standards in the aerospace industry.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and written.
• Flexibility regarding workflow and process.
• Excellent organization skills. Willingness to work with a team, share expertise, and follow instructions to accomplish established goals.
• Ability to obtain a secret security clearance and ATF explosive handling license.

• Associat…