What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Quality Engineer position at Approach Venture?
Senior Quality Engineer - Build and scale quality systems for advanced composite manufacturing
Hawthorne, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a fast-growing, venture-backed manufacturing team developing next-generation composite materials and production processes. This role sits at the center of product quality and manufacturing scale, responsible for building and owning the quality foundation as the company moves from pilot to high-volume production. You will establish and lead the quality program from the ground up, working across engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure every product meets rigorous performance and reliability standards. This is a hands-on role with direct impact on product development, process validation, and long-term manufacturing strategy.
About Us
We are an early-stage advanced manufacturing company focused on scaling high-performance composite technologies for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Backed by leading investors and strategic partners, the team is building proprietary processes that significantly improve production speed, cost, and scalability for complex composite components.
Job Duties
$140,000 - $200,000
Hawthorne, CA | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a fast-growing, venture-backed manufacturing team developing next-generation composite materials and production processes. This role sits at the center of product quality and manufacturing scale, responsible for building and owning the quality foundation as the company moves from pilot to high-volume production. You will establish and lead the quality program from the ground up, working across engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure every product meets rigorous performance and reliability standards. This is a hands-on role with direct impact on product development, process validation, and long-term manufacturing strategy.
About Us
We are an early-stage advanced manufacturing company focused on scaling high-performance composite technologies for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Backed by leading investors and strategic partners, the team is building proprietary processes that significantly improve production speed, cost, and scalability for complex composite components.
Job Duties
- Build and implement a company-wide Quality Management System aligned with ISO9001 and AS9100 standards
- Lead certification efforts and establish quality processes from initial framework through audit readiness
- Develop and execute inspection and testing protocols, including destructive and non-destructive methods
- Oversee dimensional inspection, process control, and product validation across manufacturing workflows
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects such as delamination, porosity, and material inconsistencies
- Manage non-conformance processes and Material Review Board activities
- Partner with engineering and manufacturing to optimize processes and improve yield and reliability
- Qualify and audit suppliers for materials, components, and external services
- Support equipment selection and integration for quality inspection and testing
- Contribute to project management, requirements definition, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Engage cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to ensure quality standards are met
- Operate within a hands-on environment, including direct involvement in testing and inspection activities
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field such as mechanical, aerospace, materials, or manufacturing
- 4 years of experience working with fiber-reinforced polymer composites in a manufacturing environment
- Proven experience building or scaling a Quality Management System, including ISO9001 and AS9100 certification
- Experience with non-destructive testing methods for composites such as CT, ultrasonic testing, and tap testing
- Strong understanding of composite failure modes and defect analysis
- Experience managing non-conformance processes and implementing corrective actions
- Familiarity with PLM or ERP systems in a production environment
- Ability to work on-site in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing setting
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate under ambiguity and tight timelines
- Effective communicator who can work across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams
- Hands-on mindset with comfort operating manufacturing and testing equipment
- Six Sigma or similar process improvement certification
- Experience with resin systems and material characterization tools such as DSC or TGA
- Familiarity with metrology equipment including CMMs and laser scanning systems
- Experience with composite molding techniques such as compression or injection molding
- Background in continuous fiber layup processes
- Opportunity to build and own the quality function from the ground up
- Direct impact on scaling advanced manufacturing technologies
- High level of ownership and visibility across engineering and leadership teams
- Fast-paced environment with meaningful technical and career growth
$140,000 - $200,000
Salary : $140,000 - $200,000