Director, Quality Engineering

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. We foster a diverse environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic person who is fueled by problem-solving, continuously curious, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

Our team is looking for an energetic and dynamic Quality Director leading the Quality team in Houston, Texas, who will be an integral participant in the design/development/qualification/verification process with human space systems at Axiom.

In this role, you will work with a multi-disciplinary team of project leaders, managers, engineers, safety engineers, mission assurance engineers, quality assurance engineers and representatives from each of the subsystems in an agile development environment to define effective strategies to design, manufacture, test and qualify hardware while eliminating or minimizing risk and hazards in support of the Axiom xEVAS and human rated spacecraft Programs. The role requires a commitment to safety, strong organizational, time management, risk-based decision making and communication skills.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Customer satisfaction, monitor customer feedback and complaints to identify and address quality issues. Implement initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Strategic thinking, ability to develop and implement strategic quality plans aligned with business objectives. Experience in providing strategic recommendations to senior management.

• Lead and professionally develop assigned direct reports.

• Develop quality engineering requirements and procedures related to the design, procurement, manufacture, inspection, test, and acceptance of products to ensure products adhere to defined requirements and standards.

• Develop a quality approach and goals for development and maintenance of the various products for our Axiom Programs.

• Develop a Foreign Object Debris (FOD), Cleanliness, Calibration, Packaging and Shipping, Electronic Discharge System (EDS), Work Authorization Program.

• Develop and maintain a training program for the team of quality engineers, in addition to the implementation of a training program for the Axiom organizations in the aspects of Quality and the Quality Management System (QMS).

• Develop and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) for compliance to AS 9100 and assure continual process improvement.

• Define and implement a Material Review Board (MRB) process for non-conforming materials and products.

• Lead and support various engineering, and safety working groups and panels specializing in anomaly resolution ensuring the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) implementation.

• Manage the internal audit system and ensure timely completion of audits. Submit findings and Corrective Action Requests (CARs).

• Perform data and trend analysis to suggest improvements or Corrective Action Plan Activities (CAPA).

• Lead quality improvement initiatives through product and process assessments/audits for compliance that support and lead to continuous improvements.

• Develop Quality and Mission Assurance reports/presentations and perform other Safety and Mission Assurance (S&MA) tasks as necessary.

• Develop S&MA reports/presentations to S&MA and program leadership in alignment with our Quality Policy, QMS, and Quality Manual to support the objectives and goals of S&MA.

• Risk Management, identify and mitigate quality-related risks to ensure product reliability and safety. Develop and implement risk management strategies and contingency plans.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• 10 or more years of experience in Quality Assurance for human spaceflight Consideration will be made for relevant experience as a Quality Assurance in other industries

• Experience in performing AS 9100 audits and assessments

• Working knowledge of AS 9100

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a managerial or leadership role

• Specific knowledge and ability to lead the development of a Quality Management program and quality processes related to the aerospace industry

• Strong independent thinking, organizational and planning abilities with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to define, drive and implement change

• Ability to plan, perform analyses, and report results in relationship to the quality requirements, product and process assessments, inspection, test, audit, procurement, trends, and improvement of products

• Experience in the EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) project or the EVA (Extravehicular Activity) program is desired

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skill

• Excellent communication skill, verbal and written

• Excellent organizational skills

• Result oriented personality with a creative approach to problem solving

• Ability to work in a team environment

• Self-motivated

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time).

• Equipment and Machines

• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics

• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity

• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods

• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources

• Teamwork - Eager and able to work in a collaborative and cross-disciplinary fashion in a fast-paced, dynamic and deadline-oriented environment

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.