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Northwood Space is a modern space infrastructure company building a global network of phased array ground stations for satellite communications. The company designs, builds, and deploys scalable systems supporting national security, global connectivity, and disaster response missions.
You will be Northwood's first quality-focused hire, tasked with building supplier quality processes from the ground up. This is a foundational role that shapes how the company scales high-reliability manufacturing for satellite ground stations.
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)
- Develop incoming inspection plans and testing protocols
- Act as technical liaison between internal engineering 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 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); supplier qualification and performance management experience; 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 to 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.
