Associate Quality Engineer
The Associate Quality Engineer at Confidential Client supports product and process quality within an energetics manufacturing environment by applying foundational engineering knowledge under close supervision. This entry-level role involves assisting with quality system compliance, process controls, root cause analysis, audits, and supplier quality activities, contributing to mission-critical defense and aerospace programs while ensuring strict adherence to safety and regulatory requirements.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, a confidential client in the space, defense, and national security technology industry.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
About the Role
Confidential Client is hiring an Associate Quality Engineer to support product and process quality in an energetics manufacturing environment (explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, or related energetic materials). This is an entry-level, safety-critical role that trains and develops foundational quality engineering skills while enforcing strict regulatory, customer, and internal quality requirements.
What You’ll Do
- Support development, implementation, and maintenance of quality systems compliant with ISO 9001 / AS9100, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory bodies (e.g., ATF, DoD, OSHA), under senior guidance.
- Assist manufacturing teams to ensure process controls, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria are followed.
- Participate in root-cause analysis and CAPA for nonconformances, defects, and customer complaints.
- Review and help maintain manufacturing procedures, inspection instructions, and quality records for energetics production.
- Support internal and external audits (customer, regulatory, and certification) as directed.
- Collect, organize, and analyze quality data to identify trends and support continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, EHS, and Supply Chain to integrate quality across the product lifecycle.
- Assist with supplier quality tasks including qualification, audits, and corrective actions.
- Contribute to failure investigations, MRB activities, and risk assessments (e.g., FMEA).
- Adhere strictly to safety, security, and handling protocols for energetic materials.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related).
- 0–2 years of quality engineering experience; internships, co-ops, or academic projects in regulated manufacturing environments are a plus.
- Foundational knowledge of quality management systems, inspection methods, and basic statistical techniques.
- Exposure to root-cause tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, SPC) through coursework or practical experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to work in high-hazard, safety-critical manufacturing environments under close supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework, internship, or project experience in energetics, aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing.
- Interest in ASQ certifications (CQT, CQE).
- Basic familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001, or DoD quality requirements.
- Exposure to configuration management and controlled documentation systems.
- Understanding of government contract requirements and customer quality clauses.
Eligibility & Compliance
- Must be at least 21 years of age and able to obtain and maintain applicable State and Federal explosives licenses.
- Ability to pass required State and Federal background checks.
- To comply with U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), applicants must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range (good-faith estimate): $65,000 — $85,000 per year (Colorado pay range). Actual pay depends on experience, skills, and location.
- Total rewards package includes:
- Flexible Time Off (FTO)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Gym membership options and wellness programs
- 401(k) with company match
- Voluntary benefits and employee support resources
- Professional development opportunities in a mission-driven environment
Working Conditions & Safety
- Role requires working in safety-critical, high-hazard areas handling energetic materials. Strict adherence to safety procedures and protective measures is mandatory.
- Training and supervision will be provided; this role is designed for early-career engineers to learn on the job while following required controls.
Keywords & Career Path
This position is a strong entry point toward roles such as Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality Engineer, or Quality Systems Engineer in aerospace, defense, or energetics manufacturing. Typical skills developed: AS9100/ISO 9001 compliance, CAPA, root-cause analysis, process controls, and supplier quality management.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range