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Quality Specialist - Machining

Astranis

Astranis

Quality Assurance
San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on Apr 11, 2024

Astranis is on a mission to bridge the digital divide by connecting the four billion people worldwide who currently lack internet access. We're doing this by building the next generation of smaller, more cost-effective spacecraft to bring the world online.

As a team, we’ve launched two satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $500 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 300 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.

Apply and join us on our journey towards global connectivity!

Quality Specialist, Machining

As our first Quality Specialist, you will be tasked with the unique challenge of both inspecting machined parts and creating new quality processes to support production and engineering teams. Astranis is producing some of the most capable and compact geostationary satellites ever flown, which demand complex geometry and tight tolerances to achieve the mission performance and life targets. If you are ready to take precision to the next level, this job is for you!
This role will be the first dedicated quality person in the machining and development operations group, and will work closely with the head of machining to ensure the highest quality controls for parts made both internally and externally, as well as performing key measurements on the satellite and owning quality processes across the business. The ideal candidate has extensive precision/dimensional inspection experience using an array of tools both manual and automated, can set up new processes from scratch with minimal direction, and can fluently communicate with engineers to improve our part designs and documentation.

Role

    • Inspect all mechanical parts built in the Astranis machine shop and at various suppliers, for both flight and development use, and ensure zero quality escapes to the production line.
    • Physically set up and own a precision inspection lab in the machine shop, including sourcing the tools, executing facility projects, and documenting processes.
    • Program and operate the CMM and Faro measurement equipment for both component inspection and satellite integration-level measurements.
    • Create work orders to document part manufacturing and inspection processes, and including part marking and traceability.
    • Create issue tickets and templates for nonconforming hardware and work with engineering to ensure speedy resolution, including performing containment of other discrepant hardware as needed.
    • Work with inventory team to create a process for incoming quality control of machined components.
    • Partner with engineering to develop new processes such as fabrication or cleaning, to ensure the right quality controls are built-in from the start.
    • Create a system for tracking metrology and manage the on-time calibration of tools across the entire factory.
    • Set up and maintain a request/priority system for inspections, tool calibration, etc. to keep the business informed of status, progress, and blockers.
    • Work with design engineering teams to develop standards for part drawings, including identification of key characteristics, dimensioning and GD&T, and first article inspection plans.
    • Conduct regular quality reviews to communicate performance, challenges, and opportunities to improve for both internal machine shop and suppliers.

Requirements

    • 5+ years in quality inspector role focused on precision/dimensional inspection of machined parts.
    • 3+ years experience reading and manipulating CAD models and engineering drawings including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) language.
    • 2+ years programming and operating Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM).
    • Proficient with all measurement tools required to inspect machined hardware, such as calipers, micrometers, pins, and other gauges.
    • Fast-paced, self-directed, and able to execute with minimal direction.

Bonus Experience

    • Mitutoyo MCOSMOS programming.
    • Faro arm measurement.
    • Knowledge of manufacturing execution system (MES) and warehouse management system (WMS) software packages.
    • Understanding of Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) sampling and other quality control methods.
    • Trained in 5S area setup and maintenance.
    • Precision cleaning and part marking.
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.