Manager, Supplier Quality Engineer

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role:

We’re looking for a Manager, Supplier Quality Engineer to be Northwood’s first quality-focused hire - a builder, systems thinker, and technical leader who will define how we scale manufacturing excellence across our global supply chain.

You will create Northwood’s supplier quality program from the ground up, partnering closely with engineering and operations to ensure our products are designed and built for long-term reliability. From designing scalable systems to defining rigorous standards, you’ll establish the foundation for a world-class supplier quality organization and cultivate a company-wide culture of quality and accountability.

As Northwood grows, you’ll have the opportunity to build and lead a high-performing team, mentoring future engineers and shaping how high-reliability hardware moves from concept to production. You’ll influence how quality scales across our global supply base and how it becomes woven into every stage of development and delivery.

This is a foundational, high-impact role - perfect for someone who loves creating structure from ambiguity, leading through influence, and leaving a lasting mark on both our culture and the future of space communications.

Responsibilities:

• Design and launch Northwood’s first supplier quality management system, from process design to documentation and continuous improvement

• Shape the supply base: Identify, qualify, and develop world-class suppliers for RF, PCBA, mechanical, and electromechanical components

• Lead audits, performance reviews, and corrective actions that elevate quality and delivery across our network

• Partner closely with design, manufacturing, and operations on DFM, NPI, and pilot builds - ensuring every part is production-ready

• Define supplier KPIs (quality, cost, responsiveness) and implement real-time visibility tools that drive accountability and progress

• Act as the technical and quality liaison between internal engineering and external suppliers - turning insights into scalable, repeatable success

• Drive supplier readiness for production ramp-ups and capacity expansions as Northwood grows around the world

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (NCR/CAPA) to eliminate defects and strengthen design for manufacturability

• Partner with suppliers on process improvements that cut costs, reduce cycle times, and maximize yields

• Establish quality requirements and flow downs that ensure every product built by our partners reflects Northwood’s commitment to excellence

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years as a people leader in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, or Manufacturing Quality roles

• Experience with quality standards and tools (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP)

• A track record of building or scaling quality systems in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity environments

• Proven success qualifying and managing suppliers and driving measurable performance improvement

• Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally to engage with our global supply network

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an AS9100 environment

• Background in aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industries

• Hands-on experience with RF, PCBA, custom enclosures, or electromechanical assemblies

• Familiarity with ERP, PLM, or digital quality management systems

• Experience supporting early-stage product development through production ramp

• Lean Six Sigma or similar certifications

• Strong data fluency - proficiency with SQL or analytics tools for supplier and quality insights

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Northwood Space reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with optional needs.

• This role requires being on-site 5 days per week

Compensation:

Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, 10 or more paid holidays per year, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space 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.