Product Quality Manager
Job description
About the role
This role guides product quality for robotics across development and manufacturing. The team drives standards for Apollo as it moves from prototype to large scale production. You partner with hardware, operations, and software to resolve issues and validate contract manufacturing.
Most organizations organize this kind of work into small teams with a clear owner for each project. People are expected to set priorities, share progress, and ask for help early. Written communication matters because decisions are often recorded and revisited. Successful professionals in any field share a few habits: they take notes, keep commitments, and communicate in writing. Teams value people who make their work easy to review and build on.
Key facts
What you'll do
Documentation teams capture issues from builds and system level testing to create a clear record.
Cross functional alignment with HW design, OPS, and SW teams drives corrective action and issue resolution.
Quality planning defines product quality plans and assesses contract manufacturer adherence as products scale.
Component validation audits CM team PPAP to confirm parts and processes meet requirements.
Factory monitoring tracks yields and issues on production assembly and RMA lines to surface patterns.
Oversight consolidates issues into dashboards and updates leadership on top priorities using visual tools.
Requirements
Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering fundamentals and manufacturing processes.
Experience with hardware test and manufacturing fixture development.
Expert use of statistical analysis tools such as GR&R, SPC, Cpk, 5WHY, and Fishbone diagrams.
Data analysis skills to improve data capture and convert information into useful dashboards and charts.
Background supporting new product launches from manufacturing or product development perspectives.
Team management experience providing coaching and feedback to employees.
Clear written and oral communication for highly technical applications.
Strong interpersonal and team management capabilities.
Detailed knowledge of product development processes and life cycles.
Proficiency with business tools including Microsoft office suite, JIRA, G-Suite, and Dropbox.
Nice to have
Five or more years with contract manufacturing at international sites.
Five or more years with high volume manufacturing.
Hands on PPAP experience.
Bilingual capability in English and Spanish.
Practical notes
This is a direct hire role based in Austin, TX, with up to 20% international travel required. Typical interview steps
Interviews in this field typically test judgment, communication, and fit as much as technical skill. Be ready to describe a challenge you faced, what you did, and what you learned. Most companies value honest answers over polished ones. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.
Good to know
Robotics product quality relies on mechanical, electrical, and software collaboration.
Statistical methods guide decisions in manufacturing and testing environments.
Contract manufacturers validate components and processes before mass production.
Issue tracking tools convert operational data into leadership insights.
Field visits and audits support compliance and continuous improvement.
Questions to ask
Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.
Career growth
Career growth comes from taking on harder problems and making your work visible. Look for opportunities to own outcomes, mentor others, and learn the business beyond your team. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.