Principal Quality Engineer

Summary  

Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.  

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Principal Quality Engineerto join our growing team. 

Reporting to the Director of Quality, the Principal Quality Engineer will be a multifaceted role with Quality oversite for the Melbourne office. The role will require supporting the development, implementation, and maintenance of a system of quality and reliability testing for the plant's products and development process primarily focusing on our module and vehicle process. The Principal Quality Engineer will execute and administer plant-wide quality management systems assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement. The role will also be responsible for managing supplier programs for manufacturing and other operational processes and ensuring that quality programs comply with regulatory requirements. You will identify supplier quality defects or waste in Terran processes and drive new processes to eliminate the defects and prevent them from recurring without posing risk to availability. You will be responsible for developing the suppliers to bring them up to Terran quality standards. Supplier Quality Engineers will work closely with Terran product development and engineering teams and vendors to monitor and improve the incoming quality. 

  Key Duties and Responsibilities  

• Key Point of Contact for Incoming Inspection
• Developing and maintaining inspection metrics
• Manage MRB Dispositions in order to reduce overhead to the company. 
• Execute, maintain, and evolve the company's quality management systems in line with Terran Orbital strategy.
• Develop and analyze data to determine whether current processes and procedures meet the finished product's proposed quality and reliability expectancy.
• Assist in developing and implementing quality plans and processes for new customers, products, and technologies.
• Develop and maintain effective proactive and preventative quality processes utilizing PPAP core elements (PFMEA, process flow and control plans, etc.) and CAPA and RCCA to drive product and process defect reductions.
• Support team members engaged in production, inspection, and testing activities to ensure the consistent and repeatable delivery of conforming finished goods per customers’ requirements.
• Manage the planning, promoting, and organizing of training activities across departments as required related to craft, product quality, and reliability.
• Develop, implement, and maintain the supplier quality roadmap across engineering and procurement teams.
• Verify Terran quality standards are met at suppliers through in-person and remote audits.
• Define and roll out incoming inspection/first article inspection plans
• Drive supplier and product qualification and assessment processes in support of procurement teams. This includes effective resolution of any issues identified.
• Monitor and report on supplier performance quality metrics and actions.
• Lead supplier quality issue resolution in partnership with engineering, manufacturing teams.
• Develop and support suppliers with quality improvement initiatives and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Provide a feedback mechanism from suppliers to internal teams on joint quality issues.
• Overseeing supplier quality and establishing quality control objectives
• Ensuring the supplier meets all regulatory and company requirements

 Qualifications and Skills  

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a quality function within a high-reliability manufacturing environment and at least 2 years of electronic experience
• Ability to review and understand high reliability (HI-REL) customer requirements and their potential implications on an existing process.
• Strong methodology to investigate root cause and therefore provide effective corrective action to avoid reoccurrences.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of any non-conformity relating to the product, process, and quality system.
• Able to identify and record any problems relating to the product, process, and quality system.
• Ability to initiate, recommend, and provide solutions through designated channels.
• Understanding of IPC Industry Standards, MIL-STD, and NASA craft acceptability guidelines
• Knowledge of machining, assembly operations, problem-solving, gauging, process capability, SPC, APQP, and quality management systems ISO and 9001 ASA9100
• Knowledge and experience with AIAG Core Tools (SPC, PFMEA, PPAP, APQP, MSA, QSA)
• Preferred skills ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE,) Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Certified Quality Manager- Operational Excellence (CQM-OE), Six Sigma Greenbelt (CSSGB), ATEX, IECEx, and Metro certification audits

   Benefits 

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• Employee Equity Incentive Program
• 401(k) Match
• Unlimited PTO

About Terran Orbital  

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com 

Physical Demands  

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage. 

Work Environment  

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.  

Disclaimers  

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance. 

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hr@terranorbital.com.