Quality Engineer

About the role

Kela is a defense technology startup developing next‑generation command & control software and field‑deployed systems. As the first Quality Engineer, you will build the quality function from the ground up, defining the quality system and embedding it across engineering and production.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain a QMS aligned with AS9100/ISO 9001, including quality plans, procedures, and working methods.
• Collaborate with project engineers to improve product quality, reliability, and manufacturability throughout development.
• Apply MIL‑STD requirements across the product lifecycle, from design through qualification and acceptance.
• Define and enforce quality gates and acceptance criteria for subcontractors, and lead first‑article inspections.
• Drive the non‑conformance loop (NCRs, root‑cause analysis, corrective actions) and verify fixes.
• Prepare for and host external audits by customers, certification bodies, and defense authorities.

Required profile

• 8+ years of quality engineering experience on defense programs.
• BSc in engineering (chemical, materials, mechanical, or electrical).
• Deep working knowledge of MIL‑STDs and their application to defense hardware.
• Experience building or substantially shaping a QMS, not just operating one.
• Proven ability to write and execute qualification and acceptance test procedures (QTP/ATP).

Required skills

• AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• MIL‑STD compliance.
• Qualification and acceptance test procedures (QTP/ATP).
• PFMEA, SPC, MRB methodologies.
• Acceptance sampling standards for incoming and in‑process inspection.
• Electronics and cable‑assembly workmanship standards (IPC‑A‑610 / IPC‑A‑620).
• Fluency with engineering drawings, specifications, and test documentation.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent certification.