Northwood

Space Infrastructure

HeadofQuality&Reliability

$170–235k Torrance, California, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Lead candidates.

The Brief

“Head of Quality & Reliability at Northwood. Skills: Quality Management System, AS9100 certification, Reliability strategy. Build Quality Management System. Implement Quality Management System”

What You'll Achieve.

Deliver mission-critical systems; Reduce defects; Improve yields; Enhance process capability

Industry & Context.

Space Infrastructure
Problems you'll solve

Root cause analysis

Eligibility Requirements

U. S. citizen, Lawful permanent resident, Protected individual

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree in technical discipline, 8+ years in manufacturing quality, 3+ years leading teams, Experience in high-reliability industries, Background in DFMEA, Background in Control Plans, Background in DOE, Background in Six Sigma, Background in DFSS, Background in statistical methods, Background in reliability engineering, Track record of building quality systems

Nice to Have

Experience in high-growth startup, Experience leading through AS9100 certification, Experience building quality data systems, Background spanning technical and operational roles, Hands-on experience with RF assemblies, Hands-on experience with PCBA assemblies, Hands-on experience with custom enclosures, Hands-on experience with electromechanical assemblies

What You'll Do.

Build Quality Management System

Implement Quality Management System

Improve Quality Management System

Lead AS9100 certification achievement

Lead AS9100 certification maintenance

Own core quality processes

Partner with Engineering teams

Partner with Manufacturing teams

Partner with Integration & Test teams

Partner with Production teams

Develop quality plans

Develop process controls

Develop acceptance criteria

Develop manufacturing quality strategies

Lead root cause investigations

Lead continuous improvement efforts

Establish quality metrics

Establish reliability metrics

Develop reliability strategy

Execute reliability strategy

Drive implementation of reliability best practices

Build Quality & Reliability organization

Lead Quality & Reliability organization

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Cross-functional teams; Cross-functional quality initiatives

Full Job Description

About Northwood: Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company focused on connecting space and Earth. The world runs on space. Space will run on Northwood. Our global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail. Role: We are seeking a hands-on, systems-oriented Head of Quality & Reliability to build and lead a world-class quality organization as we scale from product development to production. This is a foundational leadership role responsible for embedding quality and reliability into every stage of the product lifecycle, ensuring our systems meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and mission success. As the leader of Quality & Reliability, you will architect and implement our Quality Management System (QMS), lead the company through AS9100 certification, and establish the processes, standards, and culture required to deliver mission-critical aerospace systems with exceptional quality and reliability. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Integration & Test, and Production teams, you will ensure that quality is built into our products and processes from the outset, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization. The ideal candidate is a builder and leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys creating scalable systems from the ground up, and has successfully established quality and reliability functions within aerospace, defense, space, or other high-performance engineering organizations. You bring deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for enabling teams to deliver products customers can trust. Responsibilities: - 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, inc

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