Quality Control Manager

Axiom Space•Houston, CA

About The Position

Axiom Space is seeking an experienced Quality Control Manager to build and lead an Inspection & Metrology Center of Excellence (COE) that serves as the company’s single source of truth for product conformance. The manager will establish the COE’s vision, operating model, governance, and scalable inspection practices, while hiring, coaching, and developing inspectors, metrology technicians, and quality control leads. The role fosters accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous learning, and supports a shift toward prevention-based, data-driven quality that protects mission success. The COE is responsible for in-process and final inspection, CMM and metrology, calibration, tool control, and nonconformance disposition, ensuring space flight hardware is verified against requirements. The manager partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to maintain conformance, improve incoming quality, reduce recurring defects, and support production without compromising quality. The position also communicates project progress and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership and implements agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle. The work is generally performed in an office environment but may involve inside or outside work depending on the task. The position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology, and candidates may undergo export-control screening. Evening and weekend work may be required as needed to meet critical project milestones. Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods and lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 8 years of inspection, metrology, or quality control experience in aerospace, space, defense, or similarly regulated manufacturing, including at least 3 years leading teams.
Expert knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and inspection and measurement techniques, including CMM operation.
Working knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, AS9102, calibration requirements (ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI/NCSL Z540), and nonconformance and MRB processes.
Demonstrated ability to build or mature a function, standardize methods, and drive adoption across stakeholders.
Strong communication and influence skills, including the ability to translate quality data into decisions.
Ability to access export-controlled information under ITAR/EAR; U.S. person status is required per company policy.
Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
Good judgment and proactive problem-solving that positively impacts challenging issues.
Ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Nice To Haves

Experience with space flight hardware, spacecraft, or launch vehicle programs and familiarity with NASA workmanship standards, such as the NASA-STD-8739 series.
Experience with portable metrology, including laser trackers, portable arms, or vision systems, and metrology software.
Lean or Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Responsibilities

Define the vision, charter, operating model, and governance for the Inspection & Metrology COE, including roles, service levels, and engagement with Manufacturing and Engineering.
Standardize inspection plans, work instructions, checklists, and reporting templates into reusable playbooks.
Hire, onboard, lead, coach, and develop inspectors, metrology technicians, and QC leads; manage performance and succession planning.
Set goals and priorities, balance workload across shifts, and foster an engaged, high-accountability team culture.
Oversee receiving, in-process, first article (AS9102), and final inspections to verify conformance to drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
Manage inspection throughput, scheduling, and prioritization to support production while maintaining quality.
Ensure product acceptance records, certificates of conformance, and traceability documentation are accurate and audit ready.
Lead nonconformance reporting and support the Material Review Board (MRB), driving timely, risk-based dispositions.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action using methods such as 8D, 5-Why, and fishbone; analyze defect data to eliminate recurrence.
Partner with Supplier Quality on supplier-related discrepancies and feedback loops to improve incoming quality.
Own inspector training, certification, and stamp authorization programs, and maintain competency records.
Report performance through dashboards and KPIs and lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce escapes and cycle time.
Establish a metrology roadmap, including CMM programming standards, measurement system analysis (MSA/gauge R&R), and adoption of automation and digital inspection tools.
Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
Perform additional job duties as assigned.