About the role
The Company
We’re Solestial, and we are building cutting-edge silicon solar power for space. Our tech is designed to survive the extremes—radiation, vacuum, launch shock—and deliver reliable energy to satellites, lunar missions, and beyond. We are a fast-growing startup backed by strategic, experienced investors in the Space and High Tech sectors, and we’re on a mission to make off-world energy as scalable and dependable as it is here on Earth. As we scale our manufacturing operations, we’re looking for a Quality Manager who thrives at the intersection of precision, innovation, and relentless improvement.
The Role
As our Quality Manager, you'll be the guardian of reliability across our manufacturing line. You will create and own the quality processes that ensure every solar panel we build is launch-ready and space-worthy. You'll lead inspection protocols, define quality standards, and drive root-cause analysis on mission-critical hardware while ensuring we meet industry quality standards. This is a hands-on role, collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams, and is perfect for someone who loves solving complex problems and doesn't shy away from imperfect systems. You'll help establish the foundation for quality at Solestial by building the systems, standards, and culture that will support our next phase of manufacturing growth and every mission that follows.
This is an on-site role based in Tempe, Arizona.
Your Mission
- Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s quality management system (QMS) in line with AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards
- Serve as the key quality representative during customer reviews and regulatory audits
- Define inspection protocols and quality gates across the production line
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions - NCRs, CAPAs, etc.
- Collaborate with design teams to make products more manufacturable, inspectable and testable
- Own the document control and configuration management tools and policies
- Manage supplier quality standards and perform supplier audits
- Own quality data - use dashboards to track metrics, spot trends, and push for continuous improvement
- Train and support the team on quality culture and best practices
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
- 5+ years of quality experience in high-reliability manufacturing (aerospace, defense, semiconductors, etc.)
- Strong knowledge of quality standards and certifications (AS9100, ISO 9001, NASA-STD-8739 preferred)
- Hands-on experience with tools such as FMEA/FMECA, SPC, MSA, and RCCA
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as soldering, lamination, encapsulation, or thin-film deposition
- Experience leading quality audits (internal and external)
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Bonus: Experience with environmental testing or space-grade materials and product deliverables
Our Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
- 15 vacation days, 5 sick days, and 10 paid holidays annually - with an extended holiday break at year’s end
- 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
- Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
- Your work will literally go to space!