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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in quality, manufacturing, or engineering in aerospace/defense
- Experience leading cross-functional teams
- Strong proficiency in root cause analysis, failure analysis, reliability testing
- Knowledge of quality management system standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100
- Experience using data analysis tools for metrics and trend analysis
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Advanced degree in engineering or related discipline
- Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Six Sigma
Epirus Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Epirus and has not been reviewed or approved by Epirus.
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Affordable Benefits — Medical coverage is presented as up to 100% employer‑paid on some plans, with dental/vision and mental‑health support included. Bundled wellness access (Calm, gyms) and no‑cost onsite meals further increase perceived total value without added employee expense.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time away is framed as generous, with unlimited PTO and 19 paid holidays including a winter break. Parental leave is also highlighted, signaling broad coverage for different life events.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) match of 6% is explicitly offered. This is positioned as competitive and contributes meaningful long‑term value.
Epirus Insights
What We Do
Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing solid-state, software-defined directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects and power management solutions to optimize power efficiency in defense and commercial applications. With a constant emphasis on innovation, we are redefining the future of power to bring tomorrow’s capabilities to life, today. To deliver on our mission, we are always looking for problem solvers, changemakers and innovators to join our fast-growing team. People are the most important part of Epirus – and always come first. We don’t believe in the word impossible and are always asking “why not” as work to usher in a new paradigm of power efficiency. Our fast-growing team is agile, creative, and innovative. We support a culture of constant learning and sense of belonging among our team members and know that mentorship matters. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Visit our website to learn more. www.epirusinc.com
Why Work With Us
We're a people-first culture that ensures every employee is heard and has the opportunity to grow. At Epirus, we're using cutting edge technology and provide the ability to work with passionate team members. We truly believe that failure is not a setback, but an opportunity. We move fast and build cool things, come join us!
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