Quality Control Technician

About Arkeus

Arkeus develops AI-enabled sensing platforms that allow autonomous systems to detect, follow, and interpret activity in highly complex and contested settings. Its technology is already in use across defence and national security markets in the U.S. and allied regions, helping protect lives and strengthen security.

Supported by QIC, Main Sequence, R&VC, Salus Ventures, Folklore Ventures, DYNE Ventures, and Beaten Zone Venture Partners, the company is now scaling rapidly. It combines the pace and energy of a startup with the technical depth of an advanced defence technology business.

The team operates where optics, autonomy, robotics, and real-time AI intersect, and it builds products that are deployed in the field rather than only presented in documentation. Arkeus also describes its workplace as inclusive, transparent, and engaging, with a focus on building a diverse workforce across all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

About the Role

Arkeus is looking for a Quality Control Technician to act as a strong quality presence on the manufacturing floor while the Queensland electro-optical and defence product capability expands.

This position is centered on quality assurance. You will be responsible for in-process and final inspections of precision electro-optical and electronic assemblies, managing non-conformances through the quality management system, and partnering with Engineering to make sure products meet design intent and customer expectations before release.

Although you should understand assembly processes, the main focus of the role is verifying quality, maintaining records, and contributing to ongoing improvement rather than performing build work.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out in-process and final checks on electro-optical and electronic assemblies against engineering drawings, work instructions, and customer specifications.
• Use microscopes, optical comparators, borescopes, and related inspection tools to confirm alignment, cleanliness, and assembly integrity.
• Apply multimeters, test fixtures, and other functional test equipment to confirm electrical and optical performance.
• Complete first article inspections and acceptance test procedure activities for both new and repeat builds.
• Review travellers, build records, and traceability documents before products are cleared for release.
• Detect, record, and route non-conforming material through the QMS.
• Raise and monitor NCRs, then work with Engineering to determine whether items should be accepted as-is, reworked, or rejected.
• Support or lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action work.
• Watch for recurring NCR patterns and escalate broader issues to the Manufacturing Manager.
• Operate within and support an ISO 9001 quality management system.
• Keep inspection records, measurement data, and certificates of conformity accurate and audit-ready.
• Take part in internal audits and assist with preparation for external audits and customer source inspections.
• Help create and refine inspection procedures, acceptance criteria, and quality plans.
• Look for ways to improve inspection coverage, tooling, test fixtures, and yield.
• Contribute to improvement projects and lessons-learned reviews.
• Support new product introduction by giving quality input during design-for-manufacture reviews.
• Maintain practical knowledge of assembly processes for electro-optical and electronic subsystems to strengthen inspection effectiveness.
• Provide quality oversight during complex or critical assembly steps where in-process verification is needed.

Requirements

• Proven quality control or inspection experience in a regulated or high-reliability manufacturing setting such as defence, aerospace, or medical.
• Strong ability to use optical inspection equipment, including microscopes, optical comparators, and vision systems.
• Confidence reading engineering drawings, GD&T, schematics, and assembly instructions.
• Practical experience handling non-conformance records and working within QMS processes.
• Working knowledge of basic electrical test tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and test fixtures.
• Excellent documentation habits and a highly detailed approach to work.
• Experience contributing to internal audits or assisting with external audits.
• Preferred experience with electro-optical systems or photonics manufacturing.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 or a similar electronic workmanship standard is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of ESD controls and cleanroom or controlled-environment procedures is advantageous.
• Exposure to AS9100 in addition to ISO 9001 would be well regarded.
• Experience with CAPA methods such as 8D, Fishbone, or 5-Why is beneficial.
• Background in defence or dual-use technology manufacturing is a plus.

Perks

• Opportunity to work on advanced deep-tech problems spanning optics, autonomy, real-time AI, and integrated hardware-software systems.
• Close collaboration with leaders who bring more than 40 years of combined experience in autonomy, optics, and defence.
• Join a tight-knit, low-politics team that values ideas based on merit and maintains a high-trust culture.
• Fast professional growth through challenging work and direct exposure to meaningful technology.
• Work on systems that are already deployed in real-world defence and national security settings.
• Competitive, market-aligned salary.
• Structured career pathways designed to grow with the employee.
• Eligibility to participate in the Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP).
• Opportunity to mentor emerging talent through an intern program connected to leading universities.

Additional Information

The company encourages applicants to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, placing more value on problem-solving approach and mindset than a perfect CV.

The role is based onsite in Ormeau, Queensland, Australia.

Arkeus highlights its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace across all ages, genders, and backgrounds.