Quality Systems Engineer

The Quality Systems Engineer at SpaceX is responsible for leading cross-functional teams in support of AS9100 Quality Management Systems certification activities. This includes auditing, planning, and implementing procedures that meet SpaceX's business objectives while ensuring compliance with ISO 9001/AS9100 standards. The role also involves providing management training, assessing core processes through internal audits, and managing corrective actions to improve the quality management system.

To apply for the Quality Systems Engineer position at SpaceX, you need a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics, along with at least one year of experience in implementing and auditing quality management systems. Familiarity with the AS9100 Quality Management Systems standard is essential, along with strong communication, technical writing skills, and proficiency in relevant data software tools.

Preferred skills for the Quality Systems Engineer at SpaceX include strong technical writing abilities, experience with quality engineering principles, and previous consulting experience in management systems. Being detail-oriented, innovative, and proficient in tools like SQL and Tableau can enhance your suitability for this position, as this role requires effective problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate with customers during audits.

The salary range for a Quality Systems Engineer at SpaceX varies depending on experience and job level. For a Level I position, the salary ranges from $95,000 to $115,000 annually, while a Level II position offers between $110,000 and $130,000. Your actual compensation will depend on your specific skills and qualifications, as well as potential bonuses and stock options.

SpaceX is committed to supporting career development for Quality Systems Engineers through various opportunities for training and professional growth. This includes access to management system training and initiatives to improve quality processes, as well as the chance to work on high-stakes projects that contribute to the larger mission of enabling human life on Mars.

When answering this question, discuss specific projects where you were involved in implementing or auditing AS9100 standards. Highlight what steps you took, the results achieved, and how your contributions improved the quality systems of your previous employer.

Talk about your structured process for internal audits, including preparing checklists, interviewing staff, and documenting findings. Emphasize your attention to detail and how you ensure compliance with established standards and regulations.

Discuss your approach to managing corrective and preventive actions by outlining your use of specific tools and techniques, such as root cause analysis and follow-up metrics to track resolutions. Emphasize how you ensure that findings are implemented effectively to drive improvement.

Share a specific example where you successfully managed a team across different departments. Outline your leadership style, the challenges faced, how you kept communication open, and the end results. Focus on your ability to motivate and guide team members.

Elaborate on how data analysis is integral to your quality management approach. Discuss the tools you use, such as SQL and Tableau, how you analyze trends, and how that data informs your decision-making processes for quality improvements.

Discuss your methods for staying informed about regulations and compliance standards, including attending workshops, training, andkeeping in contact with industry professionals. Emphasize the importance of continuous learning in ensuring compliance.

Provide examples of documentation you’ve created, such as quality manuals, audit reports, or process documentation. Highlight your ability to communicate complex information clearly to all stakeholders involved.

Share strategies you use to remain adaptable, such as prioritizing tasks based on impact or urgency and maintaining open lines of communication with management and team members to manage expectations effectively.

Offer your insights on challenges such as ensuring continuous compliance amid evolving standards or managing diverse expectations from different teams. Discuss how you address these challenges proactively.

Convey your motivation by connecting SpaceX’s mission to your personal aspirations. Emphasize your passion for quality engineering and how you see your role contributing to SpaceX's groundbreaking initiatives in aerospace.