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Northwood Space is a modern space infrastructure company building a global network of phased array ground stations for satellite communications supporting national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. The company designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems with a vertically integrated approach.
As the first quality-focused hire, you will establish Northwood's supplier quality processes from the ground up and shape how the company scales high-reliability manufacturing for satellite ground stations. This is a foundational role that directly influences quality and supplier operations at a company on the frontier of satellite connectivity.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and implement the company's first supplier quality assurance system, documentation, and workflows
- Lead identification, evaluation, and qualification of new suppliers for RF, PCBA, mechanical, and electromechanical components
- Conduct supplier audits, performance reviews, and corrective action processes
- Collaborate with product design and manufacturing teams on design for manufacturability (DFM), new product introduction (NPI), and pilot builds
- Define supplier KPIs (quality, delivery, cost, responsiveness) and establish reporting mechanisms
- Drive resolution of supplier quality issues through root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (NCR/CAPA)
- Support development of incoming inspection plans and testing protocols
- Act as technical liaison between internal engineering teams and external manufacturing partners
- Own capacity expansion readiness and production ramp-up at suppliers
- Develop and implement supplier technical requirements and quality flow downs
- Provide feedback to suppliers on manufacturing methods to eliminate costs, reduce cycle times, and increase yields
- Lead cost engineering activities to optimize total cost of ownership
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field; 5+ years in Supplier Quality or Supplier Development roles in manufacturing; experience with quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP); experience qualifying new suppliers and managing supplier performance; experience building or scaling quality systems in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity manufacturing. Up to 25% domestic and international travel required.
Preferred: AS9100 environment experience; aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industry background; RF components, PCBA, custom enclosures, and electromechanical assembly experience; ERP, PLM, and digital quality management system familiarity; early-stage product development through production ramp experience; Lean Six Sigma or quality certifications; SQL or data analytics proficiency.
Note: ITAR compliance required—must be U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for required authorizations.
