Job descriptionAbout Us: Join a team that is redefining the accessibility of space. Azista space is a transformative force in the global aerospace sector, uniquely positioned at the intersection of indigenous innovation and industrial scalability. Operating India’s first private-sector satellite mass-production facility in Ahmedabad, we have bridged the gap between complex engineering and high-volume manufacturing. As a vertically integrated leader, we provide end-to-end solutions from the precision design of satellite buses and advanced payloads to mission management and communication systems. We don’t just build hardware, we are democratizing the final frontier by providing global clientele with the cost-effective, high-performance technology needed to power the next generation of orbital missions. At Azista, you won't just be starting a job, you’ll be fuelling the future of space exploration. About the Role: We are seeking a visionary Head of Quality Assurance (Optical Payloads) to lead and architect a world-class Quality Management System (QMS) for next-generation satellite payload manufacturing. Based in Ahmedabad, this role sits at the core of Azista Space’s mission to scale high-reliability aerospace production while maintaining uncompromising quality standards. You will drive a preventative quality culture, ensuring mission success through robust systems, risk mitigation, and regulatory excellence across optical payload programs. Roles & Responsibilities: - Design and govern an enterprise-level QMS framework aligned with AS9100, ISO 9001, and aerospace best practices - Define and implement quality policies for optical payload manufacturing, including contamination control and material traceability systems - Lead risk management initiatives using FMEA, RCA, and CAPA, proactively mitigating process and system-level failures - Drive Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) through vendor qualification, audits, and performance benchmarking (not just inspection) - Chair cross-functional Quality Council, aligning engineering, manufacturing, and operations with continuous improvement goals - Own internal audit programs, ensuring compliance with aerospace manufacturing processes and regulatory standards - Act as primary QA interface for customers, certification bodies, and regulatory audits - Track and improve key KPIs such as Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ), Cpk, audit success rates, and process maturity - Develop and maintain QA documentation, including compliance reports, audit findings, and technical quality notes - Champion a culture of preventive quality and operational excellence across the organization Required Qualifications & Skills: - Education: BE/B.Tech or ME/M.Tech in Engineering, Physics, or related field - Experience: 10+ years in Quality Management, with strong exposure to aerospace systems or precision optical manufacturing - Deep expertise in QMS implementation (AS9100, ISO 9001) and regulatory compliance - Strong hands-on experience with FMEA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), CAPA systems, and Quality Costing - Proven leadership in building preventative quality culture and managing cross-functional teams - Demonstrated ability to drive process capability (Cpk), audit excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives - Excellent stakeholder communication and technical reporting skills for executive-level reviews - Strong understanding of high-reliability systems, cleanroom protocols, and optical payload manufacturing environments Preferred Qualifications: - Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Lead Auditor certification - Familiarity with ECSS-Q standards (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) - Experience in satellite systems, aerospace manufacturing, or advanced optical payloads