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Hardware Quality Engineer

Hawthorne, California, United States
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Role Overview:

  • Act as lineside quality authority for hardware inspection and acceptance
    · Own in-process and final inspection, buy-offs, and release decisions
    · Ensure hardware meets drawing, spec, and workmanship requirements
    · Execute quality control within ERP/MES systems (review, sign-off, traceability)
    · Serve as primary POC for manufacturing quality issues on the floor

Responsibilities:

  • Inspection & Buy-Off Authority
    • Perform in-process and final inspection of hardware (mechanical + electrical)
    • Execute first article inspection (FAI) and verification against drawings/specs
    • Approve/reject hardware and sign off on build completion
  • Quality Control Execution
    • Review travelers, routers, and build records in ERP/MES
    • Ensure traceability, configuration, and documentation are complete and accurate
    • Enforce workmanship standards (IPC, internal specs)
  • Nonconformance & Disposition
    • Identify, document, and segregate nonconforming material
    • Support MRB and disposition activities
    • Drive immediate containment on the floor
  • Production Support
    • Act as first responder to quality issues during builds
    • Interface directly with Manufacturing, Test, and Engineering
    • Ensure no hardware progresses with unresolved quality issues

Minimum Requirements:

  • 5+ years in quality inspection / QC / manufacturing quality roles
  • Experience with board-level and/or mechanical hardware inspection
  • Ability to read drawings, schematics, and specifications (GD&T preferred)
  • Experience with ERP/MES systems for build tracking and sign-off
  • Familiarity with IPC standards (J-STD-001, IPC-A-610)

Preferred Requirements:

  • Experience in aerospace/defense or high-reliability hardware
  • Experience in multiple production domains (R&D, T2P, LRIP, FRP)
  • AS9100 environment experience, Experience performing FAI (AS9102)
  • Strong MRB / nonconformance handling experience

Why CHAOS?

  • Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
  • Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
  • Our Perks: Free daily lunch, ‘No meeting Fridays’, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
  • Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
  • Team Growth: 250 employees and counting across 5 global offices
Salary Range: $120,000 - $170,000

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. 


Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.


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About Chaos Industries

Chaos Industries

Chaos Industries is one of the fastest-rising defense technology companies focused on solving modern national security challenges through advanced radar, sensing, and counter-drone systems. Founded in 2022, the company develops next-generation technologies designed to help military and national security operators detect airborne threats faster and operate more effectively in increasingly contested environments.

For job seekers, Chaos Industries offers the opportunity to work on mission-driven technology with direct real-world impact. Employees help build systems related to radar, autonomous sensing, communications, counter-UAS, and AI-enabled defense capabilities—making it an attractive destination for engineers, software developers, hardware specialists, program managers, and defense professionals who want to work at the forefront of national security innovation.

Unlike many traditional defense contractors, Chaos Industries operates with a startup-style culture focused on speed, innovation, and rapid problem-solving. The company is known for moving quickly, building advanced technology in-house, and tackling complex defense challenges with an engineering-first mindset. For professionals who want the mission focus of defense work with the pace of a high-growth technology company, Chaos offers a unique environment.

As defense spending increasingly prioritizes autonomous systems, drone defense, and advanced battlefield awareness, Chaos Industries continues to grow its team across engineering, operations, manufacturing, and mission support functions. For veterans, cleared professionals, and technology talent looking to help shape the future of defense, Chaos Industries is emerging as one of the more exciting companies to watch.

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