Quality Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are:

Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking a Quality Engineer to help ensure the successful development, integration, and delivery of spacecraft and flight hardware as well as build and scale our Quality Management System (QMS). This role serves as a technical partner throughout the product lifecycle, helping engineers design quality into our products rather than inspecting it after the fact. This role will support the implementation and certification of our first manufacturing process to AS9100 standards while working side-by-side with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Operations. As we transition from building our first flight hardware to producing many vehicles, this engineer will own quality for one of our major space programs, driving the systems, processes, and standards needed to ensure every product is built to meet the demands of spaceflight. Success in this role means helping Space Kinetic move from proving we can build one exceptional vehicle to reliably produce many with consistent quality, repeatability, and mission readiness. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Partner with mechanical, electrical, systems, manufacturing, and test engineers throughout the product lifecycle to ensure quality is designed into products from concept through flight.
• Develop product quality plans and inspection strategies for spacecraft hardware and assemblies. 
• Review engineering drawings and technical documentation for manufacturability, inspectability, GD&T application, and quality requirements. 
• Develop and maintain inspection plans and acceptance criteria for components, assemblies, and integrated systems. 
• Facilitate Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition of nonconforming hardware. 
• Participate in hardware failure investigations and support implementation of corrective actions. 
• Witness manufacturing, integration, environmental, and functional testing to verify compliance with engineering requirements. 
• Support metrology activities including measurement planning, fixture validation, and measurement system analysis (MSA). 
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to resolve technical quality issues. 
• Support supplier qualification and occasional supplier visits as required.
• Support implementation and maintenance of the AS9100 Quality Management System. 
• Develop and maintain quality procedures, work instructions, inspection plans, and quality records. 
• Perform First Article Inspections (AS9102). 
• Support internal audits, corrective actions (CAPA), and root cause investigations. 
• Prepare inspection reports and non-conformance documentation. 
• Support process validation, machine qualification, and production readiness. 
• Analyze quality data and recommend process improvements. 
• Support customer, regulatory, and certification audits. 
• Work closely with Manufacturing and Engineering to resolve quality issues. 
• Help develop quality metrics and monitor performance. 
• Support certification activities and continual improvement initiatives.

What It Takes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or related technical field.
• 3–7 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of AS9100D and AS9102.
• Experience with inspection methods, GD&T, and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience with CAPA and root-cause analysis.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to thrive in a startup environment. 

What We’d Love:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or a similar certification.
• Experience supporting precision machining or aerospace hardware.
• Knowledge of NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, ITAR, and export-controlled environments.
• Experience with ERP, QMS, and electronic document-control systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand and walk through production areas as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

What We Offer:

• Equity-Based Compensation
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
• Highly Competitive PTO
• Paid company holidays + winter break 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

ITAR Requirements:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.  

Pay Range$120,000—$160,000 USD