Principal Product Quality Engineer

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) systems with devastating counter-electronics effects on modern drone threats. The Epirus Leonidas HPM family of products, empowered by innovations in AI and microelectronics, is human safe and cost-effective. Distinguishing itself from lasers, Leonidas excels against drone swarms while also bending the cost curve back in DoD's favor - taking drone defeat costs from millions of dollars per drone to pennies on the dollar.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Principal Product Quality Engineer to join our innovative, fast-growing defense technology company. This role focuses on our Large Systems product line and requires an agile, collaborative, hands-on leader with deep experience in assembly, integration, and test of complex electromechanical systems.

As the technical authority for product quality, you will define, develop, and execute quality processes across the entire product lifecycle. You'll partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management teams to deliver robust, reliable, and mission-ready products that meet the demanding requirements of defense applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality planning and execution throughout the entire Product Development Process, from concept through production and field deployment.
• Develop and implement comprehensive quality strategies for assembly, integration, and test operations.
• Establish quality gates and approval processes to ensure readiness at each phase transition.
• Deploy advanced quality mechanisms (DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans) using APQP framework to drive production readiness.
• Develop integration inspection and test strategies with clear acceptance criteria for large-scale systems.
• Partner with engineering to define critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and key product parameters.
• Develop and execute product reliability strategies and test plans.
• Lead failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action systems (FRACAS).
• Lead nonconformance management, root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives for assembly and integration issues.
• Drive system-wide quality initiatives to meet quality and reliability objectives.
• Act as the technical interface for customers and regulatory audits related to product quality.
• Lead cross-functional teams to solve high-visibility quality issues and drive continual improvement.
• Mentor engineers and build a culture of proactive quality ownership across the organization.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of progressive experience in quality, manufacturing, or engineering for complex mechanical or electromechanical systems
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams to resolve high-visibility quality issues and drive continuous improvement
• Strong background in New Product Introduction (NPI) and transitioning products from development to production
• Experience with system integration and test for complex applications
• Expert knowledge of root cause analysis, failure analysis, reliability testing, and problem-solving methodologies
• Working knowledge of quality management system standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar)
• Proficiency with advanced quality tools and principles using APQP framework (DFMEA, PFMEA, control plans, etc.)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and drive improvements in fast-paced environments

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in Engineering or related discipline
• Professional certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Auditor, or Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Deep understanding of electronics, complex assemblies, system integration, and test
• Expertise in reliability modeling and statistical analysis
• Experience supporting FRACAS and reliability growth programs
• Hands-on experience with Oracle ERP and Quality Management System (QMS) software implementation and execution

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At Epirus, you’ll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, “impossible” is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules.

As required by the Equal Pay Transparency Act, Epirus provides a reasonable range of minimum compensation for roles that may be hired. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.

For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is:

$139,300—$160,000 USD