Incoming Quality Technician

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

The Incoming Quality Technician manages daily operations of the Incoming Inspection Room, including inspection tools, fixtures, calibration, and ESD controls. The technician verifies incoming PCBs, PCBAs, machined and welded mechanical parts, and other supplier materials against drawings and approved inspection requirements. The role works with Supplier Quality (SQE) and Engineering to resolve inspection issues and prevent nonconforming material from entering production. The technician also supports engineering samples, product verification, and drawing and DFM improvements through accurate measurement data.

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  3+ years of hands-on incoming or quality inspection experience with PCB/PCBA and/or mechanical parts, including working knowledge of IPC-A-600 / IPC-A-610 acceptance criteria and ESD controls and handling practices.

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  Proficiency in interpreting PCB/PCBA and complex mechanical engineering drawings, including GD&T, datum references, dimensional tolerances, and critical characteristics; ability to follow risk-based inspection plans, including 100% inspection and AQL sampling.

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  Hands-on proficiency with precision measurement and inspection equipment, including handheld tools, CMMs, optical inspection systems, and custom fixtures, plus experience managing calibration schedules, status tracking, and records.

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  Experience identifying and documenting nonconforming materials, communicating quality issues to Supplier Quality (SQE) and Engineering, and using Manufacturo or similar ERP/MES systems to record inspection results, maintain material traceability, and manage NCR/MRB processes.

• Experience in aerospace, high-reliability electronics, or electromechanical manufacturing; familiarity with AS9100.

• Experience managing calibration programs, using ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration providers, and supporting Gage R&R or other measurement system studies.

• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, AS9102 FAI, and different quality and inspection requirements based on part pedigree as (Production) and (Engineering/R&D).

• Experience with PCB/ PCBA inspection (e.g., bow/twist, holes, plating, surface finish) and mechanical machining or weld inspection.

• IPC-A-600 or IPC-A-610 certification.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.