Quality Engineer

Katalyst Space; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Katalyst Space seeks a detail‑oriented Quality Engineer to lead the development and implementation of robust quality systems in manufacturing hardware. You will collaborate with procurement and engineering to define quality requirements, investigate nonconformances, and drive corrective actions that raise yields and reliability.

The role requires a bachelor’s in engineering, 3+ years in hardware quality, and a disciplined, process-driven mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or other technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or hardware quality environment.
• Experience working with a structured Quality Management System.
• Experience investigating and resolving nonconformances.
• Experience working with suppliers and managing quality-related issues.

Responsibilities

• Establish, implement, and maintain quality management system procedures and processes.
• Provide management system training and guidance to Katalyst internal stakeholders to build, implement and improve policies and procedures.
• Resolve hardware and process nonconformances by leading investigations, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Build and maintain a supplier quality dashboard to track performance metrics, audit results, nonconformances, and corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain a formal calibration system to track all measurement and test equipment, ensure timely calibration, maintain traceable records, and manage third‑party calibration providers.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to reduce defects, improve yield, and increase production efficiency.
• Develop and deliver quality management training, reinforce process discipline, and drive corrective action when procedures are not followed.
• Work with procurement and engineering teams to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and executed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Discipline and process orientation

Stakeholder management

Ownership / accountability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You'll Do

• Establish, implement, and maintain quality management system procedures and processes.
• Provide management system training and guidance to Katalyst internal stakeholders to build, implement and improve policies and procedures.
• Resolve hardware and process nonconformances by leading investigations, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
• Build and maintain a supplier quality dashboard to track performance metrics, audit results, nonconformances, and corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain a formal calibration system to track all measurement and test equipment, ensure timely calibration, maintain traceable records, and manage third‑party calibration providers.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to reduce defects, improve yield, and increase production efficiency.
• Develop and deliver quality management training, reinforce process discipline, and drive corrective action when procedures are not followed.
• Work with procurement and engineering teams to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined and executed.

What We're Looking For

• You have acute attention to detail.
• You are highly disciplined and process-oriented while focused on improving and building systems that make sense as opposed to blindly following flawed processes.
• You are experienced managing stakeholders, holding internal team and suppliers accountable
• You have a high sense of ownership, and enjoy seeing issues through to resolution and ensuring corrective actions are implemented

Your Ideal Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or other technical field required
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing or hardware quality environment
• Experience working with a structured Quality Management System
• Experience investigating and resolving nonconformances
• Experience working with suppliers and managing quality-related issues

Anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $145,000

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.