Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Arredondo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got my start in aerospace back in 2010 as a heat treater and process planning specialist at Bodycote. It wasn’t long before I found myself fascinated by the unique customer requirements we were seeing. That curiosity pulled me into the world of Quality Control, which really clicked with my investigative mindset. I’ve always been someone who likes to dig into the “why” behind things, and quality gave me the space to do that.
After leaving Bodycote, I shifted into contract work, helping small suppliers prepare for audits—many of which were tied to big names like SpaceX and NASA JPL. That experience opened a door for me in 2016 when I joined SpaceX as a contractor, focusing on inspections tied to supply chain containment issues. I was officially brought on full-time in 2018. During my time there, I was able to help reduce supplier training costs for the Falcon 9 program, and later got to support the Crew Dragon missions—definitely a career highlight.
Eventually, I made the jump to Relativity Space, where I helped build out internal quality processes and inspections for their Terran 1 launch at Launch Pad 16 in Cape Canaveral. From there, I joined Lockheed Martin’s Terran Orbital team to support the Runner-1 satellite program, which successfully launched aboard a Falcon 9 in 2023.
Most recently, I joined Hermeus to help shape their early-stage Quality Management System and build out their inspection lab. While there, I introduced a hybrid role I developed called the Quality Integration Technician—something that helped bridge the gap between technician support and quality inspections to make QA buyoffs more efficient.
Now, I’ve taken all those years of hands-on experience and poured them into my own company, Starbound Quality. We specialize in high-level quality engineering, inspection, and audit preparation, but without the heavy overhead. Our focus is helping fast-moving aerospace companies and suppliers stay compliant, save costs, and keep up with the pace of innovation in the industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Aerospace is definetely a wave of emotions. From huge successes and celebrations to mass lay-offs and unexpected program cuts. It’s the business we are in and it is not always easy. I had a real struggle getting in the door with many companies when I first started out. I questioned myself all the time and battled imposter syndrome.
Even getting into SpaceX was a challenge as a contract employee interviewing internally for different programs was tough. I was once told by a director I will not name “You are not a SpaceXer.. You dont have “it”. I was determined to prove him wrong. I did get an offer on a team eventually and really chose to embrace the challenges head on. I worked 16 hours days, drove my 3 hour commute home and worked 6 days a week to prove myself. I like to think I proved that man wrong looking at my career now.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Starbound Quality was built to serve a very real need in aerospace—providing high-level quality support without the kind of overhead that can sink a small business or delay a fast-paced R&D program. We specialize in quality engineering, hands-on inspection, and audit preparation services for aerospace suppliers and startups who need expert-level support but aren’t ready to build out a full internal team yet.
What sets us apart is how deeply we understand both the technical side of quality and the day-to-day grind suppliers face trying to keep up with changing customer requirements, tight deadlines, and complex standards. I’ve been on both sides—as the person preparing parts on the floor and as the person ensuring they meet spec for companies like SpaceX, Relativity, Terran Orbital, and Hermeus. That experience helps us walk in the client’s shoes and deliver solutions that are practical, fast, and sustainable.
I’m known for stepping into chaos and bringing structure without slowing things down. Whether it’s building out a QMS from scratch, preparing a team for a tough customer audit, or jumping in to handle inspections during crunch time, our team is there to help things run smoother—without the red tape.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that Starbound Quality is a name people can trust in a field where trust is everything. Our approach is no-fluff, real support that meets companies where they are. We help bridge the gap between supplier capabilities and customer expectations, especially in new space and aerospace R&D environments.
If there’s one thing I want readers to take away about us, it’s that we’re here to help suppliers and aerospace teams move forward. We’re not just checking boxes; we’re helping you build the kind of quality foundation that actually supports growth, innovation, and long-term success.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might surprise people is that I didn’t come into this industry with a traditional engineering degree or executive background. I started on the floor—heat treating, planning processes, solving problems hands-on and built my career by staying curious and learning everything I could along the way. My drive to learn, real-world experience shaped how I approach quality and how I run Starbound Quality today: practical, flexible, and grounded in reality, not red tape.
But what really drives me, what people might not see right away is that I’m a dad first. A big part of starting my own company was about creating something meaningful and lasting for my family. I want my kids to see that you can carve your own path by working hard, staying true to who you are, and building something that helps others. That’s the legacy I care about most.
I believe in manifesting your own destiny and growing yourself despite the invisible hurdles in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.starboundquality.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starboundquality/
Image Credits
SpaceX, Relativity Space, Hermeus
