Head of Quality

AS9100 within an aerospace environment is highly desirable

Must be onsite, remote work is not an option

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond.

For more information about Axiom Space, visit  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 Head of Quality who is fueled by high accountability and ownership, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY The Head of Quality is a senior organizational leader responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality function across design, manufacturing, and field operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role owns the quality management system (QMS), regulatory certification posture, and the culture of quality across all programs. This role leads a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors and serves as the primary quality liaison with customers, regulatory authorities, and certification bodies.

Leads the enterprise quality organization, setting strategy and standards for product assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across all programs. Level and salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Own and evolve the company-wide QMS in compliance with AS9100 Rev D and applicable FAA/EASA regulations

Define quality strategy aligned to company growth, program milestones, and customer requirements

Lead the quality organization through hiring, development, and performance management

Serve as the management representative for all third-party and regulatory audits (DCMA, customer, NADCAP)
Drive a metrics-driven culture: OTD, escape rate, DPPM, cost of poor quality (COPQ)
Executive escalation point for all critical NCRs, field escapes, and MRB dispositions

Champion design for quality, DFMEAs, and systems engineering integration

Partner with the COO and executive team on risk management and program reviews

Establish and enforce supplier quality standards in coordination with supply chain

Support business development by representing quality in proposal reviews and customer audits

Leadership & Strategy Builds organizational capability through coaching and talent development

Balances safety culture with program schedule and cost realities

Drives systemic improvement rather than reactive firefighting

Influences cross-functionally without direct authority

Makes principled decisions under regulatory and customer scrutiny

Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Operating Officer and leadership on quality, compliance, and risk matters

Help define and execute the company’s overall quality strategy in alignment with business goals

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Note:

Level and compensation will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Education & ExperienceB.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering; M.S. or MBA preferred
12+ years of quality engineering and leadership experience in aerospace or defense

Demonstrated experience leading quality organizations of 15+ people

Deep expertise in AS9100, NADCAP, FAR/DFAR, and DAL/DO-178 (as applicable)
Experience as a management representative for AS9100 or comparable certification

Proven track record managing DCMA or FAA oversight relationshipsCQE or CQM/OE certification (ASQ) strongly preferred

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