The Role
Leads quality operations for U.S.-manufactured space and defense star trackers. Establishes and maintains AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems, inspection and testing criteria, audits, corrective actions, supplier quality processes, calibration and traceability systems, and configuration controls. Supports customer and regulatory compliance, monitors quality KPIs, and drives continuous improvement across production while coordinating with the France-based quality organization.
Summary Generated by Built In
Quality ManagerEnglewood, CO | Full-Time, Exempt | Reports to Director of Operations
Sodern America, Inc. (SAM) is the newly established U.S. subsidiary of Sodern SA, a France-based leader in optronic and star tracker systems for space and defense applications (including the Auriga, Hydra, and Horus product lines). Headquartered in the Englewood, Colorado aerospace corridor, SAM is standing up U.S. operations, manufacturing, and support dedicated to the U.S. market. This is a founding-team role, you’ll help build SAM's quality infrastructure from the ground up.OverviewAs Quality Manager, you will lead SAM's quality operations to ensure Star Trackers manufactured in the U.S. meet AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will establish and maintain SAM's Quality Management System, oversee inspection and test, and drive corrective action and continuous improvement across production, while coordinating closely with Sodern France's quality organization.Core Responsibilities
Salary range: $120,000 – $155,000. The salary range represents the low and high end of the Sodern America, Inc. salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, knowledge, and ability as applicable to the role.
Application Instructions: The application deadline is November 13, 2026. Please submit your resume and optional cover letter expressing why you are a good candidate for the position. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment.
Important Notice: To conform to U.S. Government export control regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Sodern America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
Sodern America, Inc. (SAM) is the newly established U.S. subsidiary of Sodern SA, a France-based leader in optronic and star tracker systems for space and defense applications (including the Auriga, Hydra, and Horus product lines). Headquartered in the Englewood, Colorado aerospace corridor, SAM is standing up U.S. operations, manufacturing, and support dedicated to the U.S. market. This is a founding-team role, you’ll help build SAM's quality infrastructure from the ground up.OverviewAs Quality Manager, you will lead SAM's quality operations to ensure Star Trackers manufactured in the U.S. meet AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will establish and maintain SAM's Quality Management System, oversee inspection and test, and drive corrective action and continuous improvement across production, while coordinating closely with Sodern France's quality organization.Core Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain SAM's Quality Management System in alignment with AS9100/ISO 9001 and applicable customer and government requirements
- Establish inspection, testing, and acceptance criteria for incoming materials, in-process assemblies, and finished Star Tracker hardware
- Lead root cause analysis, corrective action, and resolution of production quality issues
- Lead internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory audits, and support certification activities
- Support supplier quality management, including supplier audits, qualification, and performance monitoring
- Maintain calibration, traceability, and configuration management systems appropriate for flight hardware
- Assist in contract compliance reviews and customer-facing quality reviews
- Monitor and report on quality KPIs, and make necessary adjustments to staffing and/or process
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field required
- 3-5 years of quality assurance experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments required; space industry experience strongly preferred
- Direct experience implementing or maintaining AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems required
- Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and proven track record driving quality performance
- Knowledge of relevant technical fields (mechanics, optics, electronics); specific knowledge of star tracker system architecture and optronics is an advantage
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to lead and motivate teams, and interact with customers and suppliers
Salary range: $120,000 – $155,000. The salary range represents the low and high end of the Sodern America, Inc. salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, knowledge, and ability as applicable to the role.
Application Instructions: The application deadline is November 13, 2026. Please submit your resume and optional cover letter expressing why you are a good candidate for the position. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment.
Important Notice: To conform to U.S. Government export control regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Sodern America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field
- 3-5 years of quality assurance experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments
- Direct experience implementing or maintaining AS9100/ISO 9001 quality systems
- Understanding of continuous improvement methodologies
- Proven track record driving quality performance
- Knowledge of relevant technical fields, including mechanics, optics, and electronics
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead and motivate teams
- Ability to interact effectively with customers and suppliers
- Space industry experience
- Knowledge of star tracker system architecture and optronics
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The Company
What We Do
Sodern America is a space and defense equipment manufacturer and a subsidiary of ArianeGroup. It specializes in high-precision optronic equipment, specifically star trackers and space cameras. Their products support a diverse range of missions, including telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific exploration, serving both established space industry players and emerging space companies across the U.S. market.
