Product Assurance Specialist

Job description

**At [Kepler Communications](https://kepler.space/), we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - *we're leading it!*** Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With **33 satellites launched to date,** Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities. Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. **What sets Kepler apart is our team:** bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. **Come build the future with Kepler!** **What We Offer:** **\* Competitive compensation** with a robust equity plan to share in our success. **\* Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance**—including dependents. **\* Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy,** and company-wide holiday shutdown. **\* Semi-annual company-wide parties** and frequent in-office team events. **\* Relocation packages** available for approved roles. **\* $1,500 annual professional development fund** to support your growth. **\* Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen** with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances. **\* Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events** to stay connected and engaged. **\* We’re a certified [Great Place to Work](https://www.greatplacetowork.ca/en/certification-menu/certified-organizations-updated#certified-organizations2/view-sub-list-details70/5f3438830d6f2900170827a4/)**®, seven years in a row! We are seeking a motivated **Product Assurance Specialist** to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Safety & Mission Assurance activities across our satellite programs. This role is ideal for an mid-career professional looking to build expertise in **design assurance**, **safety**, **reliability**, **quality**, and **mission assurance** in the **space industry** while taking ownership of key process development and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with S&MA, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program teams to ensure products meet customer, program, and mission requirements throughout the program lifecycle. The role represents an independent technical authority throughout the development cycle and combines hands-on product assurance activities in the design cycle with process development and continuous improvement responsibilities. ### Key Responsibilities: **Product Assurance & Quality Activities** - - Lead product assurance activities throughout satellite design, development, assembly, integration, testing, and delivery - Review design, manufacturing, assembly, and test documentation for compliance with established requirements and procedures - Participate in inspections, audits, reviews, and acceptance activities - Lead non-conformance and deviation/waiver reporting and resolution, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and preventive actions - Participate in risk identification, triage, and mitigation activities related to product quality and mission success - Guide configuration management and traceability activities for hardware and documentation - Monitor quality metrics and assist in generating program quality reports and dashboards - **Process Development & Ownership** - Develop, document, maintain, and improve product assurance processes, procedures, work instructions, and templates - Act as the process owner for assigned product and quality assurance workflows, ensuring documentation remains current and effective - Identify process gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement - Lead small-scale process improvement projects from definition through implementation and verification - Coordinate stakeholder reviews and approvals of process documentation - Ensure quality management system requirements are effectively integrated into day-to-day operations **Supplier & Manufacturing Quality Support** - Support supplier quality activities, including documentation reviews, nonconformance management, and issue resolution - Assist in tracking supplier non-conformances and corrective actions - Participate in manufacturing readiness and production quality reviews - Support incoming inspection and hardware acceptance activities as required **Cross-Functional Collaboration** - Work closely with engineering teams to ensure product assurance, reliability, and quality requirements are incorporated into designs, processes, and operations - Support project teams during design reviews, test readiness reviews, and milestone reviews - Provide guidance on product assurance, configuration management, and risk management procedures and best practices to internal stakeholders - Foster a culture of safety, assurance, reliability, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement ### Required Skills & Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree or diploma in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical discipline - **4+ years of experience in design assurance, quality assurance, product assurance within a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or a related technical environment** - Understanding of quality management principles and process-based quality systems - Strong organizational and documentation skills - Ability to manage multiple tasks and follow activities through to completion ### Bonus Points: - Experience in aerospace, satellite systems, spaceflight systems, electronics manufacturing, or highly regulated industries - Experience with AS9100, ISO 9001, ECSS, NASA, IEC, or other aerospace quality standards - Experience leading non-conformance management and corrective action processes - Knowledge of root cause analysis methodologies and continuous improvement techniques - Experience developing procedures, work instructions, or quality documentation - Familiarity with configuration management and product lifecycle management systems