Role: Optomechanical Quality Engineer
Employment Type: Full Time
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s in mechanical or optical engineering
Work Experience:
- 4+ years of experience in a quality role with the Aerospace/Defense/Space Quality department.
- Experience working on space optics and optomechanical hardware is a plus.
Role Description
As an integral Quality Assurance team member at Pixxel, the Quality Engineer ensures that all processes, systems, and components meet rigorous quality standards throughout the satellite’s lifecycle. This role involves developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems to embed reliability and compliance within the design, manufacturing, and testing phases.
The Payload Quality Engineer will actively address and resolve quality issues for the Payload/Camera subsystem, including quality control of processes (like AIT, and environmental testing), performing root‑cause analysis and driving corrective actions to prevent reoccurrences. This position collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams, including camera design, manufacturing, supply chain and production, to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and high‑performance products aligned with Pixxel’s objectives and industry standards.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Oversee quality assurance and control for payload/camera subsystems (Optics, Optomechanical and Thermal) during development and production phases (including assembly, integration, and testing of satellites)
- Analyze Payload specific requirements and specifications for further monitoring at suppliers and internally during AIT in the missions’ lifecycle
- Review FMECAs to implement and monitor the defined mitigating actions
- Translate product requirements to define and conduct inspections of incoming materials, in‑process assemblies, and finished products to meet specifications.
- Monitor alignment and integration of the payload to the bus including calibrations
- Define milestone‑based checks and verification procedures for the payload AIT
- Collaborate with production teams, ensuring quality oversight, identifying and escalating issues, and promoting compliance with specifications and standards.
- Manage non‑conformance dispositions, communicate with suppliers regarding issues, and elevate corrective actions as required.
- Document and assist in risk management, including quantitative assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Execute Measurement Systems Analysis and manage calibration and compliance.
- Support the development of an approved supply chain by identifying and evaluating suppliers with engineering and supply chain teams.
- Participate in Internal and External quality reviews and audits.
- Analyze internal and external quality data to identify and act on opportunities for improvement.
Desirable Skills & Certifications
- Proficiency in aerospace quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001) and regulatory compliance.
- Design or quality assurance experience in optics, sensors, electro‑optics, opto‑mechanics or cryocoolers, preferably in space domain.
- Familiarity with thermal control systems and their implementations (Temperature sensors, Heaters, multi‑layer insulations, etc.).
- Strong knowledge of GD&T and interpretation of engineering drawings.
- Understanding of precision inspection methods using mechanical and optical instruments (CMMs, VMM) for incoming inspections.
- Knowledge of space‑qualified materials for opto‑mechanics and adhesives.
- Knowledge on geometrical, optical and radiometric calibrations of space cameras.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams to address and resolve issues.
- Proven experience in supplier evaluation, auditing, development, and performance metrics management.
- Expertise in quality tools and methodologies: Root Cause Analysis, Corrective & Preventive Action Planning, Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and Control Plans.
Candidate Acumen
A strong desire to work in a high‑growth, fast‑paced startup environment, with a passion for space technology and a collaborative mindset.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Unlimited leaves & flexible working hours
- Role‑based remote work and work‑from‑home benefit
- Relocation assistance
- Professional Mental Wellness services
- Creche facility for primary caregivers (limited to India)
- Employee Stock Options for all hires