Supplier Quality Program Manager
Northwood Space
Operations, Quality Assurance
torrance, ca, usa
USD 130k-160k / year + Equity
Posted on Nov 13, 2025
Location
Torrance, CA
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Supply Chain
Compensation
- $130K – $160K
Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive health care, flexible vacation, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.
About Northwood:
Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.
Role:
We’re looking for a Supplier Quality Program Manager to be Northwood’s first quality-focused hire - a builder, systems thinker, and technical leader who will define how we scale manufacturing excellence across our global supply chain.
You will create Northwood’s supplier quality program from the ground up, partnering closely with engineering and operations to ensure our products are designed and built for long-term reliability. From designing scalable systems to defining rigorous standards, you’ll establish the foundation for a world-class supplier quality organization and cultivate a company-wide culture of quality and accountability.
As Northwood grows, you’ll have the opportunity to build and lead a high-performing team, mentoring future engineers and shaping how high-reliability hardware moves from concept to production. You’ll influence how quality scales across our global supply base and how it becomes woven into every stage of development and delivery.
This is a foundational, high-impact role - perfect for someone who loves creating structure from ambiguity, leading through influence, and leaving a lasting mark on both our culture and the future of space communications.
Responsibilities:
Design and launch Northwood’s first supplier quality management system, from process design to documentation and continuous improvement
Shape the supply base: Identify, qualify, and develop world-class suppliers for RF, PCBA, mechanical, and electromechanical components
Lead audits, performance reviews, and corrective actions that elevate quality and delivery across our network
Partner closely with design, manufacturing, and operations on DFM, NPI, and pilot builds - ensuring every part is production-ready
Define supplier KPIs (quality, cost, responsiveness) and implement real-time visibility tools that drive accountability and progress
Act as the technical and quality liaison between internal engineering and external suppliers - turning insights into scalable, repeatable success
Drive supplier readiness for production ramp-ups and capacity expansions as Northwood grows around the world
Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (NCR/CAPA) to eliminate defects and strengthen design for manufacturability
Partner with suppliers on process improvements that cut costs, reduce cycle times, and maximize yields
Establish quality requirements and flow downs that ensure every product built by our partners reflects Northwood’s commitment to excellence
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related field
7+ years in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, or Manufacturing Quality roles
Experience with quality standards and tools (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP)
A track record of building or scaling quality systems in low-to-medium volume, high-complexity environments
Proven success qualifying and managing suppliers and driving measurable performance improvement
Willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally to engage with our global supply network
Preferred Qualifications:
Background in aerospace, satellite, telecommunications, or defense industries
Hands-on experience with RF, PCBA, custom enclosures, or electromechanical assemblies
Familiarity with ERP, PLM, or digital quality management systems
Experience supporting early-stage product development through production ramp
Lean Six Sigma or similar certifications
Strong data fluency - proficiency with SQL or analytics tools for supplier and quality insights
Compensation Range: $130K - $160K