Senior Hardware Quality Engineer

ispace, inc.•Englewood, CO

7d•$101,000 - $152,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ispace U.S. is seeking a Senior Hardware Quality Engineer to help ensure the quality, reliability, and mission readiness of spacecraft and aerospace hardware. The role works across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Program Management to establish and maintain product assurance standards throughout the hardware lifecycle, from development through manufacturing, integration, testing, and delivery. The engineer drives quality excellence, identifies and mitigates risks, and champions continuous improvement to support mission success. The position provides quality engineering oversight and guidance, manages hardware nonconformances and review boards, supports qualification and acceptance activities, and advances risk-based inspection and verification strategies. It also leads quality metrics and improvement initiatives, assesses supplier documentation and concerns, and mentors team members on quality engineering and product assurance practices. The position is hybrid, with flexibility to work remotely and in-office depending on role and program stage. Travel opportunities may include domestic and international travel.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
5 or more years of experience in hardware quality engineering, product assurance, manufacturing quality, or a related aerospace engineering discipline.
Experience supporting complex aerospace hardware throughout development, manufacturing, integration, testing, and acceptance.
Ability to review and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, manufacturing documentation, and inspection requirements.
Experience managing hardware nonconformances, supporting root cause investigations, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
Working knowledge of structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone Analysis, or 8D.
Ability to identify and assess technical and quality risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support sound engineering decisions.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary technical teams.
Ability to take ownership of complex quality challenges, drive issues to resolution, and maintain high standards of accountability.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations under ITAR.
Successful completion of a background investigation is required for offered employment.

Nice To Haves

7 or more years of progressive experience in aerospace hardware quality engineering, product assurance, or manufacturing quality, particularly supporting spacecraft or flight hardware programs.
Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI), environmental qualification testing, and flight hardware verification and acceptance.
Familiarity with NASA standards and requirements related to Reliability, Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) Parts, Materials and Processes, Software Product Assurance, and System Safety, including Range Safety.
Experience leading Material Review Boards (MRBs), Failure Review Boards (FRBs), and complex hardware failure investigations.
Demonstrated success developing risk-based inspection strategies, improving manufacturing processes, and implementing measurable quality improvements.
Experience collaborating with suppliers to evaluate product compliance, resolve quality issues, and improve supplier performance.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent demonstrated process improvement expertise.
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification.
Experience in a fast-paced aerospace development environment where innovation, collaboration, and mission success are essential.
Passion for space exploration and commitment to building reliable, high-quality hardware for future lunar exploration.

Responsibilities

Partner with Program Management and Engineering to define and implement product assurance requirements, quality standards, verification criteria, and hardware acceptance processes.
Provide quality engineering oversight throughout hardware development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing, and delivery.
Review engineering drawings, specifications, manufacturing documentation, and inspection requirements for compliance with applicable product and program requirements.
Lead nonconformance management, coordinate Material Review Boards (MRBs), facilitate Failure Review Boards (FRBs), and drive root cause investigations and corrective actions through closure.
Evaluate hardware nonconformances and recommend technically justified dispositions in collaboration with responsible engineering authorities.
Develop, monitor, and communicate program quality metrics, including nonconformance trends, defect rates, corrective action effectiveness, and product and process performance.
Support engineering change processes by evaluating impacts to product quality, verification requirements, configuration management, and hardware acceptance.
Establish risk-based inspection and verification strategies using supplier documentation, certificates of conformity, and objective evidence of compliance.
Review supplier quality documentation and collaborate with internal teams and suppliers to resolve nonconformances and quality concerns.
Support hardware qualification, verification, and acceptance activities, ensuring appropriate documentation, traceability, and resolution of quality issues.
Identify product and process quality risks and coordinate mitigation strategies with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, and Program Management.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives, implement process controls, and promote a culture of quality, accountability, and innovation.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members on quality engineering processes, inspection practices, and product assurance requirements.

Benefits

Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
Hybrid work flexibility, with remote and in-office work depending on role and program stage.
Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
Monthly lunch stipend.
18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 17 paid holidays.
401(k) plan with company matching.
Domestic and international travel opportunities.
Participation in the company's stock option program.
Professional growth opportunities, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and professional development stipends.
Fun, casual team environment with regular gatherings and monthly events.