While most of the world is off, the most important parts are coming together here.
It’s Friday morning, 6:00 AM. The Colorado facility is quiet, but the floor is already alive. A machined assembly bound for a hypersonic defense system sits waiting. It will one day fly at more than five times the speed of sound, and there’s no second attempt once it leaves the ground. Questions are stacking up: Does the drawing match the process plan? Does the nonconformance have a root cause? Is the first article truly ready?
You’re the one with the answers. You’re the Quality Engineer who makes sure it’s right.
Your greatest work is ahead At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people, who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
The Role Leidos’ Defense Sector, Colorado Manufacturing Facility, is seeking a Quality Engineer to join our weekend shift: Friday through Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You’ll ensure machined components and assemblies meet strict quality standards in accordance with drawings, specifications, and procedures. You’ll also play a key part in supporting documentation, troubleshooting, and non-conformance tracking, directly impacting the performance and reliability of mission-critical hypersonic defense systems.
The environment is fast-paced. Attention to detail, self-direction, and teamwork are essential, and on the weekend crew, you’ll be a trusted decision-maker when it counts.
If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading.
Why it Matters Leidos’ Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. Explore more here.
What you’ll do (primary responsibilities)
- Support manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing for aerospace and defense manufacturing.
- Perform site quality planning, analyze program Quality Assurance (QA) requirements, develop inspection/test procedures and process plans, coordinate review of nonconformance documentation, and support root cause/corrective action.
- Participate in site quality planning.
- Analyze QA requirements and support the development of inspection checklists.
- Participate in process development and proofing to ensure quality attributes are incorporated into process plans and work instructions.
- Review and approve new and revised drawings.
- Review and approve new and revised process plans.
- Perform quality inspections of components, subassemblies, and completed assemblies.
- Document nonconforming materials and coordinate material reviews and dispositions.
- Support the collection of Quality Metrics.
- Work with internal teams and site leadership to proactively work corrective actions and opportunities for improvement and ensure timely completion as required by Leidos policies.
- Ensure adherence to AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure nonconformances are properly documented and coordinate final dispositions with engineering.
- Support the conduct and documentation of internal quality audits for the site and report results and document findings.
- Provide guidance and work with programs to establish root cause(s) and corrective actions for findings and requirement escapes.
- Lead process improvement initiatives.
What you bring (Basic Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of experience, or a master’s degree with 2+ years of experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Experience working with non-conforming material, performing failure analysis, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
- Experience writing work instructions and procedures and implementing Quality Management System (QMS) documentation associated with AS9100.
- Ability to review and interpret contract quality clauses and technical data, and to develop and document appropriate quality verification procedures, plans, and work instructions, including AS9102 First Article Inspection documentation.
- Experience using Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience communicating effectively within a team environment.
- Capability to perform in a collaborative engineering environment, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints/schematics, CAD models, specifications, contract quality requirements, and other documents, including review and approval of AS9102 First Article Inspection.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs.
- Residency in the Colorado Springs area, or willingness to relocate to the Colorado Springs – Monument – Pueblo, CO area. Relocation assistance may be offered.
- US Citizenship, and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
- Ability to work Friday/Saturday/Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Preferred Qualifications
- US Citizen with an active DoD Secret clearance or higher.
- Experience reviewing Contracts, Statements of Work, Performance Specifications, etc.
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt.
- Experience with Zeiss GOM Inspect software and ATOS 5 3D scanning inspection.
- Experience working in a hardware manufacturing environment.
- Experience with Windchill PLM, Solumina MES, and Costpoint systems.
- Experience inspecting complex aerospace hardware and supporting Material Review Board (MRB) processes.
- Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection and Acceptance Data Pack review/creation.
- Knowledge of AS5553 counterfeit prevention practices.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
October 22, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.