Terran Orbital

Sr. Manager, Quality

Terran Orbital$155K — $195K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering or related technical field
  • 8+ years in quality engineering or quality management, specifically within aerospace or high-reliability sectors
  • 3+ years leading quality teams in production environments
  • Strong knowledge of AS9100, ISO9001 standards and customer requirements
  • Proven ability to drive process improvements through cross-functional problem-solving
  • Exceptional analytical skills with proficiency in quality engineering tools and methodologies
  • Strong communication skills for effective collaboration across departments
  • Ability to learn and adapt to new products and technologies quickly

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of Quality Engineers and Supervisors to ensure high performance
  • Implement and drive quality strategies aligned with company goals and industry standards
  • Establish and analyze quality metrics to evaluate product reliability and compliance
  • Conduct root cause analysis and drive corrective/preventive actions using Lean/Six Sigma
  • Oversee inspection, testing, and quality control activities across shifts for product reliability
  • Coordinate quality objectives with production and engineering to enhance product quality
  • Address and resolve customer quality issues through structured investigations

Benefits

  • 100% Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
  • 401(k) match program
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
  • Competitive paid parental leave
Full Job Description
Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager, Quality to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Sr. Director, EHS, Quality & Mission Assurance the Sr. Manager, Quality will be responsible for daily execution of the quality function, ensuring continuous improvement, consistent adherence to customer requirements, and reliable production of conforming hardware. This position leads and manages a team of Quality Engineers, as well as Quality Supervisors who oversee Quality Technicians and Inspectors, across weekday and weekend shifts at both the Irvine and Santa Maria locations. This leader will drive quality engineering activities, supplier quality, calibration/metrology, quality control oversight, and cross-functional alignment with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Assembly & Test, and Program teams.

Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Quality Engineers, Quality Supervisors, Inspectors, and Technicians to ensure strong performance and continuous skill growth
  • Implement quality strategies, processes, and improvements that align with company objectives and aerospace industry standards
  • Drive innovation and maturity in the company quality approach and culture
  • Establish, review and analyze quality performance indicators and metrics to evaluate process capability, product reliability, nonconformances, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements
  • Drive root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, and defect reduction using structured problem-solving and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies to reduce nonconformances and waste and improve manufacturing yield
  • Oversee consistent execution of inspection, test, and quality control activities across all shifts to ensure repeatable, high-reliability product delivery
  • Coordinate quality objectives with production and engineering teams to maximize product quality and reliability while controlling costs and reducing waste
  • Maintain alignment with AS9100, ISO9001, DoD requirements, and customer-specific contractual deliverables
  • Lead and manage the measuring and test equipment calibration/metrology program
  • Address customer quality issues through structured investigations, timely corrective actions, and effective communication with internal teams and external stakeholders
  • Promote awareness, ownership, and compliance with customer quality requirements throughout the organization
  • Lead and support training efforts related to quality processes, inspection techniques, root cause analysis, and reliability expectations
  • Provide regular updates on quality metrics, trends, risk areas, and improvement actions to site leadership
  • Foster a culture of commitment, engagement, and action within the quality organization

Required Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering or related technical field
  • 8+ years of experience in quality engineering or quality management within aerospace, high-reliability electronics, or similar industries
  • 3+ years of experience leading quality engineering or quality assurance teams in a fast-paced production environment
  • Strong understanding of AS9100, ISO9001, related aerospace quality standards, and customer requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and lead cross-functional problem-solving initiatives
  • Strong analytical skills and proficiency with quality engineering tools, methods, and structured problem-solving
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, operations, supply chain, and program management
  • High energy, curiosity, and willingness to challenge the status quo and develop innovative solutions
  • Ability to learn new product lines, systems, and technologies beyond initial areas of expertise
  • U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications and Skills
  • Advanced degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field
  • Experience with satellite systems, assemblies, subsystem verification, or related hardware
  • Certifications such as CQE, CQM, or similar
  • Experience with APQP or AS9145 requirements
  • Familiarity with rapid-pace aerospace production/manufacturing environments


Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$155,000-$195,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits
  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401(k) Match
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of small satellites and related components. The company's products are used for a variety of applications, including Earth observation, communications, and scientific research. Terran Orbital also provides launch services for its customers, using a variety of vehicles and platforms. The company is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, and has additional facilities in California and Florida.
Learn more about Terran Orbital
Size
50 employees
Market Cap
$210.6 million
Industry
NASDAQ

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