Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Company Brief Planys is a deep-tech company developing mission-critical robotic and digital systems for defence and strategic infrastructure. The company designs and builds unmanned systems and advanced sensing solutions across underwater, maritime, and land domains, with a strong focus on naval, coast guard, and army applications. Planys is actively engaged in the development of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) ranging from small to extra-large platforms, along with ruggedised electronic and digital systems for armoured vehicles.

Leveraging its strong foundation in marine robotics, underwater inspection, and non-destructive evaluation (NDT), Planys integrates defence-grade electronics, sensing, and data analytics to deliver high-reliability systems suitable for harsh operational environments. The company combines platform engineering, payload integration, and AI-enabled digital analytics to support situational awareness, asset integrity assessment, and data-driven decision-making for defence forces and strategic asset operators. Planys, globally recognised for strategic infrastructure solutions, is now focused on creating a strong and enduring presence in the defence sector, delivering indigenous unmanned and digital systems for the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. (Website: www.planystech.com) Key Responsibilities Implement, maintain, and continuously improve QA procedures aligned with JSS 55555, MIL-Q, MIL-STD, ISO 9001, and AS9100 standards.

Lead root cause analysis using 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone methods, and ensure effective CAPA implementation. Perform detailed PCB schematic, layout, stack-up, grounding, shielding, and BOM reviews with focus on EMI/EMC robustness, reliability, and derating. Conduct component derating and reliability analysis for mission-critical systems.

Qualify and audit suppliers (EMS, PCB, cable harness, machining vendors) as per defence QA requirements. Define and implement Incoming Quality Control (IQC) plans including sampling, traceability, and compliance verification. Manage NCRs, SCARs, and ensure closure with proper root cause ownership.

Implement FAI and PPAP-like processes for low-volume, high-reliability manufacturing. Support system architecture reviews ensuring compliance with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275/704, IEC standards, and JSS 55555. Evaluate component selection, obsolescence risks, alternate sourcing, and workmanship quality.

Conduct internal and external audits as per IPC-A-610 Class 3, IPC/WHMA-A-620, ISO 9001, and AS9100 standards. Benchmark electronic assembly processes including soldering quality, conformal coating, and cable harnessing. Oversee functional, burn-in, and reliability testing with defined acceptance criteria.

Lead subsea and environmental qualification testing aligned with MIL-STD-810, DNV, IEC 60068, ASTM standards. Define test acceptance criteria for pressure, vibration, shock, corrosion, and thermal conditions. Establish and maintain traceability systems, control plans, inspection records, and configuration baselines.

Monitor and report quality KPIs such as FPY, rework, scrap, NCR trends, and supplier performance. Drive process validation, HALT/HASS, EMI pre-compliance testing, and failure analysis. Implement FRACAS and reliability growth programs across product lifecycle.

Review mechanical designs focusing on pressure housings, sealing, materials, and GD&T compliance (ASME Y14.5, ISO 2768). Perform root cause analysis for mechanical failures such as leakage, corrosion, and fatigue. Lead cross-functional quality reviews and mentor junior QA engineers.

Act as key interface during customer audits, inspections, FAT/SAT, and acceptance trials. Participate in ECR/ECO reviews, ensuring configuration control and traceability. Lead EMI/EMC compliance activities including testing, issue diagnosis, and corrective design actions.

Maintain defence compliance documentation including QAPs, inspection plans, test procedures, and compliance matrices. Ensure long-term traceability (10–20 years) of materials, components, and test records. Perform FMEA/FMECA for system-level risk assessment and mitigation.

Act as primary QA interface for defence customers, certification bodies, and inspection agencies. Mandatory Skills Strong knowledge of Defence Standards (JSS, MIL-STD, DNV, IEC, ASTM) Experience 6+ years Expertise in EMI/EMC, PCB Design Review, and Electronics Reliability Hands-on experience with Quality Tools (8D, FRACAS, DRBFM, FMEA) Proficiency in IPC Standards, Audits, and Supplier Quality Management Strong understanding of mechanical drawings, GD&T, and inspection tools Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills