Solestial

Quality Lead

Tempe, AZ, US, Chandler, AZ, US, Tempe, AZ, US

In-personFull time roleSenior Level

29 days ago

About the Job

The Company:
We’re Solestial, and we are building cutting-edge silicon solar power for space. Our tech is designed to survive the extremes—radiation, vacuum, launch shock—and deliver reliable energy to satellites, lunar missions, and beyond. We are a fast-growing startup backed by strategic, experienced investors in the Space and High Tech sectors, and we’re on a mission to make off-world energy as scalable and dependable as it is here on Earth. As we scale our manufacturing operations, we’re looking for a Quality Lead who thrives at the intersection of precision, innovation, and relentless
improvement.

The Role:
As our Quality Lead, you’ll be the guardian of reliability across our manufacturing line. You will create and own the quality processes that ensure every solar panel we build is launch-ready and space-worthy. You’ll lead inspection protocols, define quality standards, and drive root-cause analysis on mission-critical hardware as well as ensure we are meeting industry quality standards. This is a hands-on role, collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams — and perfect for someone who loves solving complex problems and doesn’t shy away from imperfect
systems.


Your Mission:

  • Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s quality management system (QMS) in line with AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards
  • Define inspection protocols and quality gates across the production line
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions—NCRs, 8Ds, CAPAs, etc
  • Collaborate with design teams to make parts more manufacturable and testable
  • Own quality data—track metrics, spot trends, and push for continuous improvement
  • Train and support the team on quality culture and best practices
  • Serve as a key quality liaison during customer reviews and regulatory audits

What You Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of quality experience in high-reliability manufacturing (aerospace, defense, semiconductors, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of quality standards and certifications (AS9100, ISO 9001, NASA-STD-8739 preferred)
  • Hands-on experience with tools such as FMEA, SPC, MSA, and 8D/RCCA
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as soldering, lamination, encapsulation, or thin-film deposition
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
  • Bonus: Experience with environmental testing, vacuum chambers, or space-grade materials

Our Benefits:

  • Competitive salary + equity - we want you to grow with us
  • Generous, high-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage on day one of employment
  • PTO of 15 days + annual Holiday Break and 10 paid holidays annually
  • 401K with employer match up to 4% of salary
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability and employer-sponsored life insurance
  • Your work will literally go to space!

About the Company

Solestial Logo

Solestial

Tempe, Arizona, USA

21-50

<p>Solestial exists to deliver abundant energy in space. Our breakthrough technology is a silicon solar cell engineered for space to self-cure radiation damage under sunlight at operating temperatures as low as 65°C. Solestial solar cells are packaged in an ultrathin, low-mass, flexible solar power module designed to withstand up to 10 years in a variety of destinations in space. Our flexible solar power modules can be produced on automated machines resulting in lower costs than traditional III-V multijunction solar products.</p><p>From today’s satellite constellations and research projects to tomorrow’s lunar settlements and services in space, Solestial’s innovative technology represents a paradigm shift for space solar; an affordable, scalable solution to power sustained development. Solestial is a US company manufacturing solar cells and flexible solar power modules in Tempe, Arizona.</p>