Quality Manager

Orbital’s hardware solutions solve the biggest challenges in data centers. Each of our products contains an advanced material discovered with our AI, giving it breakthrough real-world performance. We’re looking for ambitious thinkers and builders; those excited by the challenge of bridging AI and industry, chemistry and computation, discovery and deployment.

Our mission is to usher in an era where new, advanced materials are both discovered and engineered with AI and we’ll use this to build hardware that solve major global technology challenges.

Joining Orbital means working at the intersection of deep tech, applied science, and engineering innovation. We are a truly global organisation with sites in London (UK) San Francisco (CA), Princeton (NJ) & Calgary (Canada) building teams in ML Research and Product Development to Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, offering opportunities for talented individuals who want to shape the future of materials and their applications in high-impact industries.

Role Overview

In this role, you will be building your ideal team of professionals and establishing the quality department for a new suite of data center related products including a 2 Phase Direct to Chip cooling system utilizing a new novel coolant discovered by Orbitals AI technology, Coolant Distribution Units, Dual Use Chiller and Modular Data Centers.

Initially, this role will start with outsourcing production to contract manufacturing requiring the establishment of new processes and procedures for validating and onboarding suppliers.

In our 2nd phase, we will be establishing our in-house manufacturing capabilities requiring building of teams and processes from the ground up.

You will own product and process quality from concept through field life. Build a scalable QMS, prevent defects at the source, and ensure every unit (and module) ships safe, compliant, and reliable.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1 — Contract Manufacturer Validation, Onboarding & Quality Management

- Source & qualify CMs and key suppliers: conduct technical/commercial audits (capacity, process capability, ISO 9001/14001, special processes related to quality, EHS)

- APQP at CMs: define CTQs/CTPs, control plans, PFMEA/DFMEA alignment, MSA, submission/approval of vendors; oversee FOK pilot builds.

- Quality agreements & documentation: establish supplier quality agreements, traceability schema (serial/lot genealogy), inspection/test instructions, packaging/labeling/handling standards.

- Performance management: implement supplier scorecards (OTD, PPM, responsiveness, audit scores); run QBRs; drive SCAR/CAPA with effectiveness verification and aging control.

- Field & commissioning interface for CM builds: define FAT/SAT witness criteria, release gates, and containment plans; triage escapes with 8D/A3 and feed lessons into CM control plans.

Phase 2 — Establish the In-House Quality Organization (New Manufacturing Plant)

- Build the QMS: implement ISO 9001 backbone (coordinate with 14001/45001 where relevant); write SOPs/WIs, MRB/CAPA governance, document control, and e-sign workflows.

- Factory quality architecture: stand up in-process, and final test (FAT) for CDUs and modular skids; define station-level CTQs, stop-the-line criteria, etc.

- People & org: hire, train, and coach inspectors, technicians, SQEs/CQEs; set tiered daily management (tier boards, paretos, andons) and a prevention-first culture (poka-yoke, error-proof fixtures).

- Systems integration: integrate Quality with PLM/ERP/MES for single source of truth; enable digital travelers, barcoding/RFID traceability, and automated data capture from test stands.

- Ramp & readiness: plan EVT/DVT/PVT at the plant; qualify production lines/process windows; lock control plans and release criteria before rate increase.

- Compliance & certifications: secure/maintain with the required multi-departmental team members UL/CSA/CE/UKCA, EMC/LVD, UL 508A for panels, pressure equipment (ASME/PED, CRN), refrigerant handling safety, RoHS/REACH documentation.

Ongoing, Cross-Phase Responsibilities

- Reliability & field quality: track MTBF/FFR, drive failure analysis (5-Whys, fishbone, FTA), manage warranty/RMA and design/process feedback loops.

- Continuous improvement & COPQ reduction: DOE, SPC, yield improvement, and cost-of-quality tracking; implement mistake-proofing and automation.

- Risk management: multi-tier mapping, single-point-of-failure mitigation, dual sourcing/tooling, business continuity playbooks.

- Data & reporting: dashboards for FPY, DPPM, escapes, NCR/CAPA aging, Cp/Cpk; automated alerts for trends and thresholds.

- Commissioning & site quality (modular DCs): align FAT/SAT with L1–L5 commissioning; define install standards (purge/evac/charge, wiring, firmware); train service partners.

What We’re Looking For

- Start-up Mindset: ability to work within the “gray” as a valuable team member to refine, clarify, and continuously improve and automate processes and designs.

- 8–12+ years in complex electro-mechanical/thermal hardware quality; cooling/pressure systems (CDUs, cold plates, manifolds) or similar manufacturing.

- Experience or familiarity with using AI to improve and automate processes

- Mastery of APQP, DFMEA/PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA (GR&R), SPC, 8D/A3, DOE.

- Supplier quality leadership (audits, special-process approval, global containment).

- QMS ownership (ISO 9001) and audit management; rigorous configuration/document control.

- Data fluency (Minitab or equivalent, advanced Excel; BI tools).

- Strong communication, shop-floor presence, and change leadership.

Why Join Orbital?

- Competitive salary and pension with company match

- Flexible and generous paid time off

- Excellent health, dental and vision insurance plans

- Equity package - the ability to own part of Orbital Materials as we grow

- Regular company offsites

- The experience of working in a cutting-edge organization dedicated to a better future

Orbital is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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