Build, implement, and continuously improve the company Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance, scalability, and operational excellence
Lead the achievement and maintenance of AS9100 certification, including audits, compliance activities, training, and continuous improvement initiatives
Own core quality processes, including document control, configuration management, nonconformance management, CAPA, and audit readiness
Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Integration & Test, and Production teams to embed quality and reliability throughout the product lifecycle
Develop and implement quality plans, process controls, acceptance criteria, and manufacturing quality strategies that support reliable product delivery
Lead root cause investigations and continuous improvement efforts to reduce defects, improve yields, and enhance process capability
Establish quality and reliability metrics, reporting systems, and data-driven improvement initiatives across the organization
Develop and execute the company’s reliability strategy, including qualification testing, reliability growth, failure analysis, and risk mitigation methodologies.
Drive implementation of reliability engineering best practices, including FMEA, FRACAS, fault analysis, and lifecycle risk management
Build and lead a high-performing Quality & Reliability organization while serving as a trusted cross-functional leader balancing product integrity, operational efficiency, and execution speed
Qualification
Strong background in DFMEAHands-on experience with RFAdditional Requirements
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related technical discipline
8+ years of experience in manufacturing quality, quality engineering, or reliability engineering
3+ years of experience leading teams or owning major cross-functional quality initiatives
Experience operating in high-reliability industries (aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, etc.)
Strong background in DFMEA, Control Plans, DOE, Six Sigma, DFSS, statistical methods, and reliability engineering
A track record of building or scaling quality systems in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity environments
Preferred
Experience in high-growth startup or rapidly scaling manufacturing environments
Experience leading organizations through AS9100 certification or major QMS transformations
Experience building systems for quality data, analytics, and feedback loops that drive operational or engineering improvements
Background spanning both technical and operational roles, including quality, manufacturing engineering, or operations leadership
Hands-on experience with RF, PCBA, custom enclosures, or electromechanical assemblies, or other complex hardware systems
Additional Requirements:
This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Northwood Space reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with optional needs.
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
