Quality Assurance Lead

Company Overview

Near Earth Autonomy is creating a future where autonomous flight is commonplace and safe.  Our technology enables aircraft ranging in scale from drones to helicopters to fly autonomously for logistics and inspection applications. We are serious about system design, development, real-world testing, and delivering high-performance products to customers. We are looking for highly motivated individuals to help us realize this vision. Visit nearearth.aero to learn more about how you can help create the future of autonomous aviation.

We offer full benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k), and flexibility in work-life balance.

Position Overview

Near Earth Autonomy seeks a Quality Assurance (QA) Lead to serve as the organizational expert in aviation Quality practices for both civilian and military aviation authorities. This role will lead the Quality Management effort as part of a cross-functional group to bring autonomous flight products to market, promoting and sustaining our culture of quality.

The QA Lead will provide direct hands-on support to and leadership of the company’s Quality group, ensuring our products meet development assurance requirements of aviation authorities. The ideal candidate will have experience in the implementation, maintenance, and audit management of aviation-relevant or related industries’ standards.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Act as the Quality authority for high design assurance software and hardware development programs, ensuring they adhere to the required Development Assurance Level (DAL) objectives.
• Create and implement compliance strategies aligned with regulatory requirements and industry standards such as DO-178C, DO-254, and AS9100D, and work with department and project leads to implement those strategies throughout the product lifecycle.
• Own and continuously improve the company Quality Management System (QMS)
• Prepare and conduct internal and external audits.
• Represent Near Earth Autonomy with government auditors, airworthiness officials, customer representatives, and other external stakeholders.
• Maintain the Approved Supplier List, performing audits and driving continuous improvement in supplier quality management and performance.
• Develop, deliver, and document Quality training to company employees. 
• Lead the hiring and development of Quality staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and 8+ years of related experience, particularly working with software development groups.
• Quality assurance for development of systems, software, and hardware.
• Strong verbal communication and technical writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualification, Experience, and Skills

• Implementation and management of quality processes in a small business.
• Aviation systems development per DO-178C and DO-254.
• Aerospace or defense product development.
• Airworthiness qualification in military or civilian aviation.
• Experience executing or contributing to a complete aviation product certification cycle.
• Software configuration management, including management of baselines and releases.
• Management of external audits with federal regulators.
• Quality training and certificates, such as Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or AS9100 Lead Auditor certification.
• AS9100/ISO 9001 compliance.
• Hardware production.
• Cybersecurity.
• Experience with production operation tools and processes.

Benefits

• Compensation compatible with qualification.
• Stock options.
• 401(k) plan.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid-time off and parental leave.
• Life insurance, long-term and short-term disability benefits.

Due to the nature of Near Earth's funding, this position is restricted to US citizens.