Quality Manager (NASA LTVS Contingent)

Department: Production & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Reporting To: Graham Bogda

Compensation: $130,000 - $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.

The Quality Manager (Hardware and Process) will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust quality control strategy, ensuring the highest standards of reliability in our lunar rover projects.

• Employment in this role is contingent on Astrolab being selected as a winner of NASA’s LTVS program, scheduled for announcement on November 15, 2025.
  
  

What You'll Do: 

• Ownership of the hardware non-conformance handling process and physical implementation on the shop floor.
• Define inspection processes and procedures for receiving, work in progress, and closeout activities to ensure quality throughout all stages of the product life cycle.
• Development and training of quality inspectors and quality engineers.
• Management of the Material Review Board process, as well as physical implementation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement metrology and calibration standards, train and maintain calibrated tools and instruments.
• Drive continuous improvement of Astrolab FOD and ESD programs and training.
• Design for Quality (DfX) contributions from concept through design reviews (DCR, PDR, CDR).
  
  

Key Supporter Of These Areas

• AS9100 certification maintenance
• Root cause problem solving
• Supplier quality audit processes, including support of on-site inspections and audits.
• Quality data and records management
• Developmentof internal design, construction, and verification specifications
• Configuration management and traceability training
• Development of build and test standards and processes
• Hands-on build and inspections of flight hardware
  
  

What’s Prepared You

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field; master's degree or relevant certifications are a plus
• 5 years’ experience in spaceflight programs; preferred experience with NASA projects.
• 5 years’ of experience in build reliability, quality assurance, or quality control; preferred experience with mechanisms, avionics, and vehicle integration.
• Expert in root cause problem solving across the product life cycle.
• Deep understanding of industry and NASA mechanical and avionics standards.
• Experience in Design for Manufacturing, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing of parts, and inspection techniques.
• Experience with safety regulations and establishing best practices.
• High proficiency with JIRA, MES software, and Excel.
• Preference to candidates with experience using CAD software.
• Preference to candidates with people management experience – particularly with experience managing quality inspectors and specialists.
• Preference to candidates with a working understanding of SMC-S-016 standard.
• Preference to candidates with a working understanding of NASA 8739.6 workmanship requirements.
• Preference to candidates with experience in NDE techniques for metallics
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
  
  

What We Offer

• Work with a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Ownership in the company
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible time off and parental leave
• On-site snacks, beverages, and 2x weekly lunches
• Flexible work environment