Build Reliability Manager

Venturi Astrolab, Inc.; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Flexible PTO

Home office setup reimbursement

Weekly lunch stipend

Job summary

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. is seeking a Build Reliability Manager to ensure top-tier quality and reliability across the manufacturing process.

Lead a dedicated build reliability team, drive process improvements, and collaborate with design to optimize DFM and production readiness for a growing fleet of planetary rovers. The role requires a STEM bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in relevant quality/engineering functions, with space-grade materials experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
• 3+ years in quality assurance, build reliability, design/manufacturing engineering, or related function.
• Experience with space-grade materials and manufacturing processes is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities; effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead build out of build reliability team.
• Drive process improvements across design, inventory, manufacturing, integration and test.
• Define and document inspection requirements and procedures.
• Create training for production and inspection processes.
• Develop plans and tests to ensure quality at increasing production volumes.
• Contain non-conforming hardware and drive corrective action.
• Collaborate with design teams to improve DFM and production compatibility.
• Conduct build quality reviews and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Quality assurance

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Excellent communication

Strong analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in STEM

Tools

CAD software

Inspection equipment

Statistical analysis tools

Six Sigma

Lean methodology

Job description

Build Reliability Manager

Department: Quality

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Joe Popowycz

Compensation: $170,000 - $195,000 / year

Description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi‑purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world‑class team.

We are seeking a meticulous and experienced Build Reliability Manager to join our dynamic team. The role involves ensuring that our manufacturing facility is meeting the highest standards of Quality and Reliability. The Build Reliability team will be key in maintaining our commitment to excellence, from component inspection to final assembly verification.

What you’ll do:

• Lead build out of build reliability team
• Process improvement activities across the organization including design, inventory, manufacturing, integration, test, inspection, etc.
• Define and document inspection requirements and procedures
• Create training for production and inspection processes
• Author planning, test plans, and training to execute processes and collect data, ensuring efficient and stable quality at increasing production volumes
• Contain non‑conforming hardware in collaboration with quality, production, and design groups to ensure systemic issues are corrected, and risk is managed for the fleet
• Work closely with design teams to improve DFM and requirement fulfillment. Aggressively modify requirements and manufacturing process where design intent and production rate are incompatible
• Conduct build quality reviews to identify repeat and high impact issues. Drive corrective action

What you’ll bring:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field
• 3+ years of experience in quality assurance, build reliability, design engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related engineering or quality function.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space‑grade materials and manufacturing processes
• Knowledge of environmental testing for space applications
• Experience with managing Quality processes and system rollouts
• 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
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Detail‑oriented with a proactive approach to quality issues
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional teams, technical projects, or engineering initiatives in a manufacturing or product development environment.

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
• Home office set up reimbursement
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on‑site
• Once a month social hour on‑site with food and drinks