Vast is looking for a Quality Manager (or Supervisor for candidates not meeting all qualifications) to support the development of systems for artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. This full-time, exempt position in Long Beach involves overseeing quality control and assurance activities, leading a team of inspectors, and ensuring compliance with standards in a spacecraft manufacturing environment.
What You'll Do
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of quality inspectors supporting spacecraft manufacturing and integration.
- Provide training and ongoing support to the quality team on quality standards, procedures, and tools.
- Monitor team performance and provide feedback, coaching, and corrective actions when necessary.
- Ensure the team adheres to schedules and meets production and inspection targets.
- Oversee all quality inspections of incoming materials, in-process components, and finished products.
- Coordinate the implementation of quality standards, procedures, and specifications across all production stages.
- Ensure all products and processes comply with regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and industry best practices.
- Ensure inspection readiness including equipment and staffing capacity to support production ramp.
- Support development and implementation of inspection strategies for complex hardware, including dimensional, visual, and integration inspections.
- Compile and analyze quality data, including product defects, trends, and root causes.
- Prepare and present detailed quality reports to upper management, highlighting performance metrics and areas for improvement.
- Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and ensure that targets for quality, efficiency, and safety are consistently met.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, working cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and other departments.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance product quality, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
- Participate in root cause analysis and support problem-solving efforts for product failures or process inefficiencies.
- Ensure compliance with all internal and external audits, quality certifications, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain and update quality documentation, including inspection plans, reports, and control charts.
- Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for quality processes.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience).
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in quality assurance or quality control, preferably in a manufacturing or aerospace-related industry.
- Previous experience leading or supervising a quality team is highly preferred.
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
- A proactive, results-driven approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
- Must be able to pass background check and gain access to government facilities.
Nice to Have
- Experience implementing or scaling quality systems in a fast-paced development environment.
- Knowledge of AS9100, ISO quality systems, or aerospace regulatory frameworks.
- Experience implementing risk-based inspection strategies and key characteristic control plans.
- Familiarity with defect characterization methods for scratches, dents, surface damage, and structural imperfections.
- Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES), PLM systems, or quality tracking systems for traceability and nonconformance management.
Team & Environment
Reports to the Senior Manager of Quality.
Benefits & Compensation
- 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- Generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually.
- Paid parental leave.
- Short and long-term disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
- ClassPass credits.
- Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health.
- Other discounts and perks.
- Exceptional food perks: free snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.
- Compensation: Quality Supervisor: $82,000 - $130,000; Quality Manager: $119,000 - $165,000 + equity: Company equity provided.
Work Mode
This position is onsite in Long Beach.
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
