Quality Control Manager

Axiom Space; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a seasoned Quality Control Manager to build and lead an Inspection & Metrology COE. You will oversee a team of inspectors and metrology staff, defining the operating model, governance, and scalable playbooks to ensure space-flight hardware meets all drawings and specifications.

As a senior leader, you will drive root-cause analysis, cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain, and the adoption of advanced metrology tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years in inspection/metrology/quality control in aerospace/regulated manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and inspection techniques.
• Experience with AS9100/ISO 9001, calibration requirements, and MRB processes.
• Ability to build/mature a function and drive cross-functional adoption.
• Excellent communication and influence skills.
• Experience with space flight hardware and NASA standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define vision, operating model, and governance for the Inspection & Metrology COE.
• Standardize inspection plans and templates into reusable playbooks.
• Lead, coach, and develop inspectors and QC leads; manage hiring and performance.
• Oversee in-process and final inspections to ensure conformance to drawings and specs.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, 5-Why, fishbone).
• Partner with Supplier Quality on incoming quality improvements.
• Report performance through dashboards and KPIs; lead Lean initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Quality control

GD&T knowledge

Problem solving

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CMM experience

Metrology software

AS9100/ISO 9001 knowledge

Job description

OVERVIEW

Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station - Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere.

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 bold and dynamic Quality Control Manager who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Quality Control Manager to be a people leader and organization builder who will establish an Inspection & Metrology Center of Excellence (COE) as the company's single source of truth for product conformance. This role hires, coaches, and develops a high-performing team of inspectors, metrology technicians, and quality control leads, fostering a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous learning. Building the COE means defining the operating model and governance, standardizing inspection methods and best practices into scalable playbooks, and upskilling the team through structured training and competency pathways. The COE owns in-process, and final inspection, CMM and metrology, calibration, tool control, and nonconformance disposition to ensure all space flight hardware is verified to its requirements. By partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain, this leader shifts the organization from detect-and-contain to prevention-based, data-driven quality that protects mission success.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define the vision, charter, operating model, and governance for the Inspection & Metrology COE, including roles, service levels, and engagement model with Manufacturing and Engineering
• Standardize inspection plans, work instructions, checklists, and reporting templates into reusable playbooks to drive consistency and scalability
• Lead, coach, and develop inspectors, metrology technicians, and QC leads; own hiring, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning
• Set clear goals and priorities, balance workload across shifts, and foster an engaged, high-accountability team culture
• Oversee receiving, in-process, first article (AS9102), and final inspection to ensure conformance to drawings, specifications, and customer requirements
• Manage inspection throughput, scheduling, and prioritization to support production without compromising quality
• Ensure product acceptance records, certificates of conformance, and traceability documentation are accurate and audit ready
• Lead nonconformance reporting and Material Review Board (MRB) support, driving timely, risk-based dispositions
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, fishbone) and analyze defect data to eliminate recurrence
• Partner with Supplier Quality on supplier-related discrepancies and feedback loops to improve incoming quality
• Own inspector training, certification, and stamp authorization programs and keep competency records current
• Report performance through dashboards and KPIs and lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce escapes and cycle time
• Establish a metrology roadmap, including CMM programming standards, measurement system analysis (MSA/gauge R&R), and adoption of automation and digital inspection tools
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
• Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle
• Perform additional job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 8+ years of inspection, metrology, or quality control experience in aerospace, space, defense, or similarly regulated manufacturing, including 3+ years leading teams
• Expert knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T (ASME Y14.5), and inspection and measurement techniques, including CMM operation
• Working knowledge of AS9100/ISO 9001, AS9102, calibration requirements (ISO/IEC 17025, ANSI/NCSL Z540), and nonconformance and MRB processes
• Demonstrated ability to build or mature a function, standardize methods, and drive adoption across stakeholders
• Strong communication and influence skills, with the ability to translate quality data into decisions
• Ability to access export-controlled information under ITAR/EAR (U.S. person status required, per company policy)
• Experience with space flight hardware, spacecraft, or launch vehicle programs and familiarity with NASA workmanship standards (e.g., NASA-STD-8739 series) (Preferred)
• Experience with portable metrology (laser trackers, portable arms, vision systems) and metrology software
• Lean or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt (Preferred)
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines

Core Skills

• Passion for space and the mission
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
• Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

This position may require access to export controlled technical data or technology subject to NASA regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In accordance with U.S. export control laws, final candidates may be required to undergo additional export control screening to determine eligibility for access. Meeting these requirements is a condition of employment.

Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)

Equipment and Machines

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.