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Kela is a defense technology startup building next-generation command & control software and field-deployed systems that integrate sensors and AI for real-time battlefield intelligence. As Kela's first Quality Engineer, you will build and own the quality function from the ground up, establishing the quality management system (QMS) across engineering and production as the company transitions from prototype to serial production.
You will define and implement the quality system, including QMS procedures aligned with AS9100/ISO 9001 standards. Working directly with project engineers, you'll improve product quality, reliability, and manufacturability throughout the development lifecycle. You will apply MIL-STD requirements across design, qualification, and acceptance phases, and establish quality gates and acceptance criteria for subcontractors.
Key responsibilities include authoring and reviewing qualification and acceptance test procedures (QTP/ATP), inspection plans, and quality records. You'll lead first-article inspections for new assemblies, suppliers, and process changes, and drive the non-conformance loop including NCRs, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification. You will establish configuration, traceability, and handling controls for safety-critical items, and prepare the program for external quality audits from customers, certification bodies, and defense authorities.
Additionally, you'll track and analyze production yield and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement, train program teams on quality practices to embed a quality culture, and oversee production quality at subcontractors.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 8+ years of quality engineering experience on defense programs
- BSc in engineering (chemical, materials, mechanical, or electrical)
- Deep working knowledge of MIL-STDs and their application to defense hardware
- Working knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001
- Demonstrated experience building or substantially shaping a QMS (not just operating one)
- Experience writing and executing qualification and acceptance test procedures (QTP/ATP)
- Direct experience working with design and project engineers to drive product improvements
- Experience overseeing production quality at subcontractors
- Fluency in engineering drawings, specifications, and test documentation
ADVANTAGES:
- Experience standing up the quality function in a startup or new production line
- Supplier audit and qualification experience
- Lead quality-engineering methods (PFMEA, SPC, MRB)
- Knowledge of acceptance sampling standards for incoming and in-process inspection
- Ability to inspect to electronics and cable-assembly workmanship standards (IPC-A-610/620)
- Certified quality credentials (CQE or equivalent)
