Head of Quality

Axiom Space; Texas; On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a Head of Quality to build and sustain a high-performance quality function spanning design, manufacturing, and field operations. Reporting to the COO, this role owns the QMS, regulatory posture, and culture of quality across programs.

You will lead a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors, drive strategic quality initiatives, and serve as the primary liaison with customers and regulators. Level and salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of quality engineering and leadership in aerospace or defense.
• Experience leading quality organizations of 15+ people.
• Deep expertise in AS9100, NADCAP, FAR/DFAR, and DAL/DO-178 (as applicable).
• Experience as a management representative for AS9100 or comparable certification

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the company-wide QMS in compliance with AS9100 Rev D and applicable FAA/EASA regulations
• Define quality strategy aligned to company growth, program milestones, and customer requirements
• Lead the quality organization through hiring, development, and performance management
• Serve as the management representative for all third-party and regulatory audits (DCMA, customer, NADCAP)
• Drive a metrics-driven culture: OTD, escape rate, DPPM, cost of poor quality (COPQ)
• Executive escalation point for all critical NCRs, field escapes, and MRB dispositions
• Champion design for quality, DFMEAs, and systems engineering integration
• Partner with the COO and executive team on risk management and program reviews
• Establish and enforce supplier quality standards in coordination with supply chain
• Support business development by representing quality in proposal reviews and customer audits
• Responsibilities requires to be onsite, hybrid or remote is not an option.

Skills

Leadership

Quality engineering

Regulatory compliance

Quality management

Auditing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Systems Engineering

M.S. or MBA preferred

Job description

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com _._

Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a Head of Quality who is fueled by high accountability and ownership, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head of Quality is a senior organizational leader responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality function across design, manufacturing, and field operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role owns the quality management system (QMS), regulatory certification posture, and the culture of quality across all programs. This role leads a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors and serves as the primary quality liaison with customers, regulatory authorities, and certification bodies. Leads the enterprise quality organization, setting strategy and standards for product assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across all programs. Level and salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and evolve the company-wide QMS in compliance with AS9100 Rev D and applicable FAA/EASA regulations
• Define quality strategy aligned to company growth, program milestones, and customer requirements
• Lead the quality organization through hiring, development, and performance management
• Serve as the management representative for all third-party and regulatory audits (DCMA, customer, NADCAP)
• Drive a metrics-driven culture: OTD, escape rate, DPPM, cost of poor quality (COPQ)
• Executive escalation point for all critical NCRs, field escapes, and MRB dispositions
• Champion design for quality, DFMEAs, and systems engineering integration
• Partner with the COO and executive team on risk management and program reviewsEstablish and enforce supplier quality standards in coordination with supply chain
• Support business development by representing quality in proposal reviews and customer audits
• Responsibilities requires to be onsite, hybrid or remote is not an option.

Leadership & Strategy

• Builds organizational capability through coaching and talent development
• Balances safety culture with program schedule and cost realities
• Drives systemic improvement rather than reactive firefighting
• Influences cross-functionally without direct authority
• Makes principled decisions under regulatory and customer scrutiny
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Operating Officer and leadership on quality, compliance, and risk matters
• Help define and execute the company's overall quality strategy in alignment with business goals

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Note: Level and compensation will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Education & Experience

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering; M.S. or MBA preferred
• 12+ years of quality engineering and leadership experience in aerospace or defense
• Demonstrated experience leading quality organizations of 15+ people
• Deep expertise in AS9100, NADCAP, FAR/DFAR, and DAL/DO-178 (as applicable)
• Experience as a management representative for AS9100 or comparable certification
• Proven track record managing DCMA or FAA oversight relationships
• CQE or CQM/OE certification (ASQ) strongly preferred
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance obligations at the enterprise level
• Executive-level communication skills; experience presenting to C-suite and customers

Functional Competencies

• Strong business judgment and ability to balance risk with commercial objectives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to operate in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
• Collaborative leadership style and influencing skills
• Strong project management discipline, highly organized, and takes ownership.
• Uses sound judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines wit