VP of Mission Assurance & Quality (MA&Q)

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place! E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life. The VP, Mission Assurance & Quality (MA&Q) holds the independent oversight authority that ensures every spacecraft is safe, reliable, and qualified before it launches. This role is structurally independent of all other VP organizations - the authority to halt work, reject deliverables, and withhold qualification sign-off cannot be overridden by any VP. Only the CTO can override an MA&Q determination, and that override is documented with the MA&Q position on record regardless of outcome.   Independence is the defining feature of this role. MA&Q does not build hardware, does not own schedule, and does not report to any VP who does. This structural separation is deliberate - quality and safety decisions must never be compromised by production pressure, schedule urgency, or cost targets.   The VP, MA&Q must be willing to halt a production line, delay a gate review, or withhold qualification sign-off when the evidence demands it - and hold that position under pressure from peers and the CTO alike. What you’ll be doing:

Mission Assurance

• Own the FMEA/FMECA from initial build through qualification -zero unmitigated single-point failures is a CDR entry criterion
• Chair the Failure Review Board (FRB) -convene, lead root cause investigation, assess extent of condition, and close with verified corrective action
• Define mission success criteria and own fault tree analysis

Safety

• Implement and own the system safety program per MIL-STD-882 or program-equivalent standard
• Lead hazard analysis (PHA, SHA) and maintain the hazard tracking log through every gate
• Manage propulsion, battery, high-voltage, and deployment safety; provide range safety interface for launch operations

Quality Assurance

• Exercise independent inspection authority across all program phases
• Hold sole NCR disposition authority -Use-As-Is and Repair require MA&Q concurrence regardless of phase
• Enforce workmanship standards per IPC-A-610 Class 3; conduct process audits and first article inspections
• Issue Standing Disposition Authorizations (SDAs) for recurring Tier 2/3 NCRs; Tier 1 Critical NCRs trigger CTO notification within 4 hours

Reliability Engineering

• Own quantitative reliability model per MIL-HDBK-217 or equivalent; track MTBF/MTTR targets against the constellation availability model
• Lead reliability growth tracking, redundancy analysis, and reliability predictions correlated with test data at QR

Parts Engineering & Radiation

• Maintain the Preferred Parts List (PPL) - sole authority to add or remove parts; no part may fly without PPL approval
• Enforce derating compliance at CDR and manage lot acceptance testing
• Specify the mission radiation environment (TID, SEE, displacement damage) and track radiation margins for all flight parts

Configuration Management

• Chair the production CCB and administer the ECO/ECN process
• Maintain as-built configuration records from the MES; execute FCA and PCA before Phase Close Gate
• Provide as-built conformance report to the CTO

What you bring to this role:

• 15+ years of progressive mission assurance, quality engineering, or reliability engineering on flight programs; at least one spacecraft program carried from system requirements through on-orbit operations
• Demonstrated record of exercising halt/reject authority or withholding qualification sign-off against schedule and cost pressure you must describe a specific instance. This is the most important qualification for the role
• Direct accountability for a flight program's FMEA/FMECA from initial build through qualification, including enforcing zero-unmitigated-SPOF at CDR
• Experience designing, implementing, and running a tiered NCR classification and disposition system at production rate, including Use-As-Is and Repair disposition authority
• Direct experience chairing or co-chairing a spacecraft Qualification Review and making the independent go/no-go determination
• Familiarity with PPL management, derating analysis, lot acceptance testing, and radiation qualification requirements (TID, SEE)
• Demonstrated record of building multi-discipline assurance teams spanning all seven functions
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related field — or equivalent verifiable experience

Bonus Points for the Following

• Direct experience with constellation programs and fleet-wide conformance reporting
• Familiarity with SAP (Special Access Program) assurance requirements
• Prior experience as CCB chair in a high-rate production environment
• Familiarity with CMMI or AS9100 quality management systems in a space or defense manufacturing environment
• Range safety certification or prior direct range safety interface experience

Additional Requirements This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office.  The target base pay for this position is $190,000- $225,000annually.  The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.    We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.   This role requires access to controlled technical data. Under U.S. law (ITAR/EAR), we can only consider U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals granted asylum or refugee status).   E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role. Why E-Space is right for you: As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.   We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space: • An opportunity to really make a difference • Sustainability at our core • Fair and honest workplace • Innovative thinking is encouraged • Competitive salaries • Continuous learning and development • Health and wellness care options • Financial solutions for the future • Optional legal services (US only) • Paid holidays • Paid time off