Build Reliability Engineer

Astrolab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership in the company

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Flexible PTO and parental leave

Weekly lunch stipend

On-site social hours

Job summary

Astrolab in Hawthorne, CA seeks a meticulous Build Reliability Engineer to ensure our lunar rover manufacturing meets the highest quality standards. You will lead QA testing, non-conformance handling, and process improvements across manufacturing.

You will work with engineering, production, and supply chain; require 5+ years in aerospace quality, CQE desirable, CAD and inspection tools, and experience with audits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of quality assurance within aerospace or high-tech manufacturing
• Proven track record implementing quality systems in manufacturing
• Proficient in Six Sigma, Lean, FMEA, SPC
• Familiarity with CAD software and inspection equipment; strong statistical analysis
• CQE certification desirable (not mandatory)

Responsibilities

• Quality Assurance: Conduct testing and inspection of rover components; lead non-conformance system
• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to reduce defects and enhance QC methodologies
• Documentation: Develop QA procedures, test plans, manuals, and inspection records
• Audit & Compliance: Perform internal ISO/aerospace audits; prepare for external audits
• Training & Development: Train manufacturing staff on quality standards
• Problem Solving: Investigate quality issues and perform root cause analysis
• Collaboration: Work with engineering, production, and supply chain to integrate quality at all stages

Skills

Quality Assurance

Six Sigma

Lean

FMEA

SPC

Inspection & Testing

Statistical Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science/Engineering

CQE certification desirable

Tools

CAD software

Inspection equipment

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Description

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

We seek a meticulous and experienced Build Reliability Engineer to join our dynamic team. The role involves ensuring that our manufacturing facility meets the highest standards of Quality and Reliability. The Quality Specialist will maintain our commitment to excellence, from component inspection to final assembly verification.

Department: Quality

Location: Hawthorne, California

Compensation: $92,000 - $140,000 / year

What you'll do:

• Quality Assurance: Conduct rigorous testing and inspection of rover components and systems to ensure compliance with design specifications and performance requirements. Lead the rollout and maintenance of the non-conformance system
• Process Improvement: Identify, analyze, and lead initiatives to improve manufacturing processes, reduce defects, and enhance quality control methodologies
• Documentation: Develop, implement, and maintain quality control procedures and documentation, including test plans, quality manuals, and inspection records
• Audit & Compliance: Perform internal audits to ensure adherence to ISO standards, aerospace-specific regulations, and other applicable quality norms. Prepare for and support external audits
• Training & Development: Train and mentor manufacturing staff on quality standards, techniques, and the importance of quality in space applications
• Problem Solving: Investigate quality issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to integrate quality considerations at every stage of product development and manufacturing

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications

• 5 + years of experience in quality assurance/control, preferably within the aerospace or high-tech manufacturing sector
• Proven track record in implementing quality systems in a manufacturing environment
• Proficient in quality management tools like Six Sigma, Lean, FMEA, SPC
• Familiarity with CAD software, inspection equipment, and statistical analysis tools
• Certifications: Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or similar certification is highly desirable

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with space-grade materials and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of environmental testing for space applications.
• Experience with managing Quality processes and system rollouts
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to quality issues

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks