Quality Manager

Space Tango LLC • Lexington, KY

20d • Onsite

About The Position

Space Tango is an innovative space technology small business based in Lexington, Kentucky. Its mission is to manufacture health and technology products in space and provide automated space-based facilities and payloads for research, development, and small-scale manufacturing in Low Earth Orbit and beyond.

The Quality Manager leads the development, implementation, and ongoing management of a comprehensive quality management system supporting engineering, science, custom hardware development, integration, testing, and mission services. The role combines quality-system development with hands-on implementation, helping teams integrate quality into daily work through clear expectations and training, while holding teams accountable for established requirements.

This is an on-site position in Lexington, Kentucky. Travel is required for launches, partner integrations, and mission support. The position may require access to technology and information subject to U.S. export control laws, including ITAR and EAR. Employment is contingent on obtaining any necessary government authorizations and complying with applicable export control regulations.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of quality experience in engineering services, research and development, systems integration, custom hardware, or similar technical environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, quality, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or substantially improving a quality management system, including developing procedures and driving implementation.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100, with experience leading audits, nonconformance management, and corrective actions.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and establish appropriate quality controls for varied customer projects.
• Strong communication, organization, and follow-through, with the ability to collaborate across teams and enforce requirements.
• Ability to comply with applicable export control regulations and obtain any necessary government authorizations to access and handle controlled technology and data.

Nice To Haves

• Experience implementing or using Epsilon3 or comparable digital quality and procedure management tools.
• Experience building quality systems in a small or growing organization.
• Experience supporting spaceflight hardware, payload development, or NASA/customer quality requirements.
• Experience preparing an organization for ISO 9001 or AS9100 certification.
• Relevant ASQ certification or lead auditor training.
• Proactive approach and comfort turning broad goals into clear priorities and completed actions.
• Collaborative and approachable style, with confidence to challenge decisions and respectfully enforce requirements.
• Practical approach to developing processes that support reliable execution and fit the complexity of the work.
• Organized and consistent approach to following issues through resolution.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineers, scientists, technicians, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Assess existing quality practices and lead the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of a comprehensive quality management system.
• Develop practical policies, procedures, and documentation controls that incorporate applicable industry, customer, and contractual requirements.
• Partner with project teams to establish quality plans, reviews, inspection and test requirements, traceability, and acceptance criteria appropriate to project scope and risk.
• Lead nonconformance management, root cause investigations, and corrective actions, ensuring issues are resolved before affected work proceeds or deliverables are released.
• Oversee supplier quality, inspection practices, and applicable handling and contamination controls.
• Train employees, integrate quality practices into daily work, and hold teams accountable for following established requirements.
• Lead audits, monitor quality performance, and report risks and improvement priorities to leadership.
• Implement and improve digital quality workflows using Epsilon3 or comparable software and ensure consistent adoption across teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager