Head of Quality & Mission Assurance

ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES

Astrobase is a pioneering spacetech startup founded by prominent Senior ISRO scientists and IIT Bombay alumni with over 20 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, testing and flying advanced Cryogenic Launch Vehicles. Driven by a vision to make India a Space tech powerhouse, we are developing innovative launch vehicles that will transform space exploration. At Astrobase, you’ll be part of a team creating history in the Indian space industry. Our goal is to become the first private space company from India to land on the moon economically.

Role Overview:

Build and lead the integrated Quality & Mission Assurance (QMA) function that owns end-to-end quality processes across the full product lifecycle. Ensure every Astrobase product — engine, stage, avionics, and ground systems — is build-worthy, test-worthy, and flight-worthy across multiple reuse cycles. Drive quality as a velocity enabler through strong process ownership in Product, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Test/Flight stages.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Product Quality (Design & Development Stage) Own quality processes from concept through design baselining.

o    Propulsion, structures, avionics, software, and ground systems requirements verification and traceability.

o    Design reviews (PDR/CDR), FMECA, hazard analysis, and configuration baseline establishment.

o    Material & component qualification (cryogenic compatibility, EEE parts, additive manufacturing).

2.    Manufacturing Process Quality Own all manufacturing and special process quality.

o    Qualification and control of additive manufacturing, welding, brazing, machining, composites, and PCB fabrication.

o    NDE program ownership (CT, X-ray, UT, PT) under ASNT Level III.

o    Process procedure qualification, technician certification, and first-article inspection.

o    Supplier quality engineering, audits, lot acceptance, and counterfeit prevention (AS6081).

o    Conduct & Own Process reviews at different stages of manufacturing and ensure quality of production

3.    Assembly & Integration Quality Own assembly, integration, and cleanliness processes.

o    Precision assembly of engines, stages, avionics, harnesses, and ground systems.

o    IPC-A-610 / J-STD-001 workmanship standards, conformal coating, and cable/harness quality.

o    Oxygen/methane cleanliness control (MIL-STD-1330 / ISO 14644) and contamination prevention.

o    As-built configuration verification and serialized pedigree tracking.

o    Conduct & Own Assembly process reviews and ensure assembly quality

4.    Test / Flight & Operations Quality Own test, reusability, and operational quality processes.

o    Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) gating for all hot-fire, structural, environmental, and integrated tests.

o    Post-test inspection (NDE, borescope), anomaly resolution (PTR, MRB, FRB), and data integrity.

o    GSE, propellant loading systems, launch infrastructure, and range operations quality.

o    Reusability loop: post-test teardown, life-limited parts tracking, refurbishment acceptance, and closed-loop feedback.

o    Flight software & firmware V&V (DO-178C / NPR 7150.2).

Cross-Cutting Responsibilities

•    Gated Reviews & Configuration Control: Conduct and gate all critical reviews (PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR, PTR). Own the Configuration Control Board (CCB), as-designed/as-built/as-tested traceability, ECN/ECO approval, and PLM/MES digital backbone.

•    Reliability Engineering: FMECA, reliability growth, Weibull analysis, and FRACAS across all stages and disciplines.

•    Data & Digital Quality: Drive first-pass yield, defect density, scrap rate, and CAPA cycle time KPIs with single-source-of-truth traceability.

•    Organizational Build-Out: Recruit and mentor a dual-discipline team covering all four stages. Establish scalable AS9100D-aligned QMS tailored to rapid iteration.

QULIFICATION

•    Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electronics, or Systems Engineering (advanced degree preferred).

•    15+ years aerospace Systems Reliability, Quality Control & Assurance experience, including 5+ years leading cross-disciplinary quality across full lifecycle in launch vehicles or high-reliability aerospace systems.

•    Proven success standing up/scaling QMS in NewSpace/fast-iteration environments.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

•    Deep expertise in high precision space launch systems and rocket engine systems quality

•    Experience in Avionics and software quality, including Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HILS) and Software-in-the-Loop Simulation (SILS) testing, integration, and validation.

•    Cryogenic & oxygen systems QA, pressure-vessel codes.

•    DO-178C / DO-254 / NPR 7150.2, IPC standards, MIL-STD-810/461/883.

•    ASNT Level III (preferred), EIA-649 configuration management, FMECA & reliability tools.

Leadership

•    Strong process ownership mindset with ability to hold hardware/tests under pressure while enabling velocity.

•    Translate quality across machinists, design engineers, assembly teams, test engineers, and firmware specialists.

•    Build a proactive quality culture measured by configuration integrity, first time right approach.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At Astrobase, we believe in the power of human ingenuity and collaboration to push the boundaries of space exploration. As a team member, you’ll be:

1.    Creating History: Join us in developing cutting-edge launch vehicles, playing a pivotal role in transforming space access and shaping the future of space exploration.

2.    Collaborating with Experts: Work alongside ISRO scientists and industry veterans with decades of experience in designing India’s iconic space missions like Chandrayaan 3

3.    Growth Opportunities: As Astrobase scales, you’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles and be part of an expanding organization driving change in the Indian space sector.

4.    Pioneering Space Technology: Your contributions will not only impact Astrobase but also influence the global space ecosystem. Be part of something larger than yourself.