Senior Staff Quality Engineer - Hardware

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce quality requirements for spacecraft structural assemblies, subassemblies, and propulsion systems
• Lead and investigate nonconformances using RCCA methodologies like 8D and DMAIC
• Provide real-time quality support on the manufacturing floor, including developing inspection and acceptance test procedures (ATP)
• Oversee environmental testing quality compliance for vibration, thermal vacuum, and EMI/EMC
• Manage MRB (Material Review Board) dispositions and oversee rework/repair activities
• Implement incoming inspection processes and manage supplier quality assurance
• Collaborate with Systems Engineering to verify critical-to-quality (CTQ) features
• Support internal and external audits, including customer and certification audits
• Maintain calibration, gaging, and special process control systems in compliance with AS9100
• Monitor and control special processes such as bonding, welding, and soldering
• Conduct supplier audits and First Article Inspections (FAIs) per AS9102 standards

Requirements

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or Industrial Engineering
• 13+ years of experience in a regulated industry (aerospace, robotics, medical device, or automotive)
• Deep familiarity with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and AS9102 standards
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems and operations
• Experience operating in contamination- and ESD-sensitive environments
• Experience testing high-power RF electronics
• Must be a U.S. person (citizen, permanent resident, or refugee/asylee) for ITAR compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• ASQ certifications (CQE, CRE, CMQ/OE)
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with expertise in DOE, SPC, and ANOVA
• Experience mentoring mid-level engineers and developing training curricula

About the Company

Capella, an IonQ company, delivers secure, mission-ready intelligence through national security, advanced sensing, and next-generation compute. We work at the intersection of space systems and quantum-enabled technologies to strengthen global stability and security.