QA/QC Engineer – Manufacturing

Role overview

QA/QC Engineer – Manufacturing at Manastu Space

This role ensures that all propulsion subsystems — thrusters, injectors, feedlines, tanks, fixtures, and heaters — meet strict quality, safety, and traceability requirements for space applications. ‍

Employment details

• Location: Navi Mumbai, India Reporting To: QA/QC Manager Hiring Type: New Hire ‍ Why This Role is Critical for Us Manastu Space operates at the frontier of space propulsion, where quality failures are not an option.
• As we transition from outsourced manufacturing to in-house machining capabilities, this role becomes the quality gate between our engineering designs and flight-ready hardware.
• The QA/QC Engineer will be the first person to own end-to-end manufacturing quality — a foundational hire that will shape our quality culture for years to come. ‍ Key Responsibilities 1.
• Quality Management System (QMS) a.
• Implement and maintain the QMS for all manufacturing activities in line with AS9100D. b.
• Define inspection, testing, and acceptance criteria for all components and subsystems. ‍ 2.
• Vendor Quality Management a.
• Qualify vendors, conduct audits, and develop the Approved Vendor List (AVL). b.
• Define vendor quality requirements and monitor performance (acceptance rate, rejection trends). c.
• Drive corrective actions for recurring vendor quality issues. ‍ 3.
• Incoming, In-Process & Final Inspection a.
• Establish and execute inspection at all stages: incoming materials, in-process manufacturing, and final release. b.
• Ensure correct inspection tools and measurement methods are applied at each stage. ‍ 4.
• Special Process Quality Control a.
• Define and monitor quality for critical processes: welding (WPS, welder qualification), precision machining, and leak-tight assemblies. b.
• Maintain process qualification records and ensure repeatability. ‍ 5.
• Testing & Validation a.
• Define and oversee testing protocols: helium leak test, proof/hydrostatic pressure test, and functional checks. b.
• Verify all test results meet acceptance criteria before hardware release. ‍ 6.
• Non-Conformance & Corrective Actions a.
• Own the NCR system; lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for quality failures. b.
• Drive timely closure of Corrective Actions (CA) and Preventive Actions (PA); track effectiveness. ‍ 7.
• Documentation & Traceability a.
• Maintain complete, controlled documentation: inspection reports, material certificates, and process sheets. b.
• Ensure full traceability for critical propulsion components, pressure parts, and welded assemblies. ‍ 8.
• Cross-Functional Coordination a.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Design/R&D, Procurement, and Testing teams on quality matters. b.
• Serve as the final quality gate before hardware moves to testing or integration. ‍ 9.
• In-House Manufacturing Quality Setup a.
• Set up quality systems for in-house VMC and CNC operations including FAI and calibration management. b.
• Establish inspection infrastructure and measurement capability for machined components. ‍ 10.
• Continuous Improvement a.
• Analyse quality data and defect trends; identify systemic gaps in processes and vendor performance. b.
• Drive measurable improvements in quality outcomes and internal quality culture. ‍ 11.
• Audit & Compliance a.
• Conduct internal audits for AS9100D process and documentation compliance. b.
• Prepare the organisation for external audits and future quality certifications. ‍ 12.
• SOP Development & Maintenance a.
• Author and maintain SOPs for all manufacturing processes, inspection activities, and testing protocols (leak test, pressure test, functional checks, etc.). b.
• Ensure SOPs are version-controlled, reviewed periodically, and accessible to all relevant team members in line with AS9100D document control requirements. ‍ 13.
• Team Leadership a.
• Recruit, train, and manage QA/QC inspectors and technicians as the team scales. b.
• Build a culture of quality ownership and accountability across manufacturing operations. ‍ Experience & Background a. 4–7 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing quality in an aerospace, defence, or precision engineering environment. ‍ b.
• Demonstrated experience with: – Machined component inspection (GD&T, CMM, gauges, surface roughness measurement) – Welding quality control (WPS, welder qualification, weld inspection) – Vendor quality management and supplier audits – Non-conformance management and root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) – Pressure system testing: helium leak test, hydrostatic and proof pressure testing ‍ c.
• Experience setting up QMS from scratch or significantly improving existing systems is strongly preferred. d.
• Familiarity with AS9100D or equivalent aerospace quality standards (NADCAP, MIL-SPEC) is highly desirable. e.
• B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related discipline. ‍ Ideal Candidate Profile a.
• Detail-oriented, systematic, and process-driven — someone who believes quality is built in, not inspected in. b.
• Strong ownership mindset — comfortable owning the quality function independently with minimal supervision. c.
• Effective communicator — able to work constructively with vendors, manufacturing teams, and design engineers. d.
• Adaptable and hands-on — ready to work in a fast-paced startup environment where processes are still being established. e.
• Passionate about aerospace and space technology — motivated by the mission of Manastu Space. ‍ What Success Looks Like in This Role a.
• Within 3 months: Incoming inspection process is fully operational; vendor quality requirements are documented and communicated; NCR system is live. b.
• Within 6 months: QMS for manufacturing is documented and implemented; FAI process is established for in-house machining; calibration system is in place. c.
• Within 12 months: Measurable reduction in vendor rejection rates; internal audit programme is running; QA/QC team is recruited and trained; quality culture is visibly improving across ‍ If you are motivated by building enduring technical institutions and solving complex hiring challenges at scale, we would like to hear from you on careers@manastuspace.com
• Location: Navi Mumbai [Maharashtra] [India]

About the employer

• Manastu Space is an Indian space-tech company founded by IIT Bombay alumni Tushar Jadhav and Ashtesh Kumar .

Additional role details

• It develops hydrogen peroxide-based green propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles that enable safer maneuvering that is cost-effective and helps in debris collision avoidance with sustainable end-of-life deorbiting, thus address the growing needs and challenges of an increasingly crowded space environment.
• Our work sits at the intersection of advanced engineering, applied research, and mission-critical systems, requiring deep technical capability and long-term thinking.
• Website: https://www.manastuspace.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manastu-space/ Email: careers@manastuspace.com ‍ Role Objective ‍ To build and own the quality backbone of Manastu Space's manufacturing operations — ensuring that every propulsion component, from outsourced machined parts to in-house CNC/VMC machined assemblies, meets the highest standards of precision, safety, and traceability required for space-grade applications. ‍ Role Overview ‍ The QA/QC Engineer will be responsible for establishing and enforcing quality systems across all manufacturing activities at Manastu Space, including outsourced production and upcoming in-house machining (VMC & CNC).