Space QC Manager & Metrology COE Lead

Axiom Space; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a resilient Quality Control Manager to establish an Inspection & Metrology COE, leading a team of inspectors and metrology technicians. You will define the operating model, govern standards, and create scalable playbooks to ensure space flight hardware meets all requirements.

You will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain to shift from detection to prevention, drive data-driven quality, and own nonconformance disposition, MRB support, and calibration.

Qualifications

• 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

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

Skills

Quality leadership

AS9100/ISO 9001 knowledge

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

CMM operation

Root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why)

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Quality

Tools

CMM programming

Metrology equipment

Job description

Axiom Space is seeking a resilient Quality Control Manager to establish an Inspection & Metrology COE, leading a team of inspectors and metrology technicians. You will define the operating model, govern standards, and create scalable playbooks to ensure space flight hardware meets all requirements.

You will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain to shift from detection to prevention, drive data-driven quality, and own nonconformance disposition, MRB support, and calibration.