Quality Assurance Engineer

About the Role

Next Intent is seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to join our high-performance manufacturing team supporting aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering projects. This role is responsible for ensuring that all manufactured parts meet strict customer specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

This is a highly impactful role within our organization, as every part that moves through our shop is reviewed and validated by the Quality team. You will work cross-functionally with machinists, engineers, vendors, and leadership to maintain the highest level of quality and precision.

Why Join Next Intent

At Next Intent, we build components for cutting-edge projects, including:

• Low earth orbit satellites
• Mars missions
• The James Webb and Magellan telescopes
• Missile guidance systems

This is not a traditional machine shop environment; we operate at the highest level of precision and complexity and are looking for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform receiving, in-process, and final inspections on precision components
• Interpret engineering blueprints, specifications, and GD&T requirements
• Ensure all parts meet customer specifications and internal quality standards
• Develop and execute inspection plans based on drawings and requirements
• Utilize mechanical inspection tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges, dial indicators, bore gauges, etc.)
• Operate and/or program Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
• Interpret and work within ISO, ANSI, and ASME quality standards
• Maintain and document quality records and inspection results
• Analyze quality data and provide recommendations to improve production and reduce defects
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to resolve quality issues (materials, processing, etc.)
• Support compliance with AS9100D quality management systems
• Programming and operation of Keyence inspection equipment

Required Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• 2 years of experience working in a Quality Assurance Engineering role
• Familiar with the use of all mechanical inspection equipment, including but not limited to: calipers, micrometers, thread gauges, dial indicators, height gauges, bore gauges, etc.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T, blueprint reading and specification interpretation
• Ability to interpret SPC data to provide insights about manufacturing capabilities and provide recommendations to improve parts quality and production efficiency
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Keyence inspection equipment
• Experience operating Hexagon CMM’s with PCDMIS software
• Experience working in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Exposure to SPC, metallurgy, and calibration processes
• Certified Manufacturing Technologist, CMT
• Experience working on manual or CNC mills and lathes
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision (100% employee coverage after 90 days; 30% dependent coverage)
• 401k with 3% match
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• PTO (tiered accrual starting after 90 days)

Work Schedule

Flexible start times between 5:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Option for alternative schedules (e.g., Tuesday–Saturday)

Additional Job Application Terms

This job is part of LinkedIn’s Full-Service Hiring beta program. Eligibility is limited to candidates located in and performing services in the United States, excluding those based in Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, South Carolina, or West Virginia.

We’re committed to making our hiring process as smooth and timely as possible, and we understand that waiting to hear back can add to the anticipation. If you’re a potential fit, our team will reach out within two weeks to progress you to the next stage. If you don’t hear from us in that time, we encourage you to explore other opportunities with our team in the future, and we wish you the very best in your job search.