TE Test Inspection Lead Technician - Secret Clearance
QuEST Defense
Unlock the power of Safety- and Mission-Critical Engineering with QDSS. We are seeking exceptional individuals to join our elite team- where your expertise will make an impact that matters. Elevate your career in a company dedicated to excellence and the pursuit of safety and mission success.
Quest Defense Systems & Solutions (QDSS) is seeking a Lead Electrical Prototyping Inspection Technician to work in an engineering environment to co-develop engineering hardware in accordance with customer and internal requirements, as well as industry standards. Candidates will collaborate with multi-disciplined design teams across multiple projects to bring design concepts to fruition, providing rapid engineering, fabrication, and prototyping solutions throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Due to the nature of the project, all applicants must be US Citizens and must have or be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
This role is on-site, and all candidates must be in Tucson, AZ, or willing to relocate there.
Key Responsibilities:
- Test and inspect complex prototype electrical assemblies and verify compliance to workmanship standards.
- Rely on moderate to extensive experience to interpret drawings, schematics, 3D models, written notes, and specifications.
- Adapt methods and procedures to test, inspect, and troubleshoot new hardware.
- Apply advanced skills to test and inspect complex prototype electrical assemblies.
- Assist in electrical/mechanical engineering drawing peer reviews to validate engineering design specifications in development of producible prototypes.
- Assess complex designs to ensure producibility, maintainability, safety, and reliability.
- Document and communicate test and inspection discrepancies and concerns to customers and collaborate on design improvements.
- Perform other task related duties as required.
Required Qualifications:
- High school, secondary school, or equivalent with a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in an engineering environment inspecting electrical assemblies in three or more of the following areas: cables or wire harnesses, breakout boxes, chassis, circuit card modifications, and racked electronic equipment
- Previous work experience reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical drawings and schematics.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience using CMMs, optical comparators, calipers, and micrometers.
- Experience with First Article Inspections, Root Cause Corrective Actions, and DCMA audits.
- Experience with mechanical inspections and applied GD&T.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and Adobe software, including 3D-PDFs
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to use good judgement and to work independently or collaboratively in an engineering environment
- Associates degree in related field; OR military electronics or avionics training, OR vocational or college program certificate
- Ability to prioritize work, understanding of schedule and budgets
- J-STD-001 Solder certification
- IPC 610 & 620 Acceptability certifications and fabrication or test experience.
- Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.The QDSS Advantage:
At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.
What You’ll Find Here
- Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
- Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
- A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.
Benefits Include
- Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.
Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.
Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.