---
title: 'Quality Engineer (Build Operations) at Critical Loop'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/quality-engineer-build-operations-critical-loop-torrance-jry874ms4v94'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-16'
---

# Quality Engineer (Build Operations) at Critical Loop

- **Company:** Critical Loop
- **Location:** Torrance, CA
- **Compensation:** $130k–$160k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-09-15
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-16
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/criticalloop/5d1cabd6-4457-46ce-a85a-1960c1fc2430

## Job description

## About Critical Loop

Critical Loop is shaping the next generation of energy systems by building the integrated edge grid of the future. Specializing in advanced energy management and battery control systems, Critical Loop empowers businesses and communities to seamlessly unite distributed energy resources for faster, more reliable, and affordable grid access. With deep expertise in grid modernization and a passion for creating resilient, responsive energy solutions, Critical Loop drives innovation at the intersection of technology and energy.

## The Role

We are seeking a passionate Quality Engineer committed to turning engineering designs into reliable, high-quality products. This role focuses on developing and implementing rigorous quality processes that meet or exceed industry standards. This is a predominantly hands-on role, requiring the successful candidate to work directly with internal/external manufacturing, testing and production teams to identify issues, implement solutions and drive continuous quality improvement. The ideal candidate will leverage their design and manufacturing experience and analytical skills to ensure reliability throughout production, supply chain, testing and deployment phases of the entire suite of Critical Loop product lines.

## What You Will Do

- Perform as QA for Electrical and Mechanical systems, including drawings, production and test operations inspection signoffs and verification of compliance to procedures
- Use strong engineering domain knowledge and practical experience to advise and solve problems with the design, manufacturing, supply chain, and leadership teams on product quality and safety
- Partner with Product and Project engineering to create inspection plans for assigned work centers and support real time during operations on the implementation of the plans
- Take a methodical approach to identifying quality related issues and risks impacting manufacturing and operations across the Critical Loop product lines and partner with relevant stakeholders to minimize risk and implement process improvements
- Support the assessment of core business processes, systems, and products through internal audits to assure compliance to customer requirements, Critical Loop procedures and policies, and ISO9001 standards
- Utilize corrective and preventive action processes to address non-conformances and drive improvement of quality management across the various Critical Loop product lines
- Support Supply Chain in quality inspections of supplier systems, ensuring supplier compliance to inspection requirements and ongoing performance monitoring

Must-Haves

- Bachelor degree in an engineering or STEM discipline
- 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment as a Manufacturing Engineer, Test Engineer, Reliability Engineer, or Quality Engineer

Nice-to-Haves

- Demonstrated experience in GD&T, MIL-STD, IPC and ISO family of standards
- ASQ-CQA-RAB certified lead auditor or training with direct hands-on experience
- Proficiency with quality tools such as design of experiments, statistical process control, root cause analysis and corrective action, advanced product quality planning (APQP), and process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA)
- Strong technical writing skills, ability to communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and take initiative; is creative, detail oriented and has a positive attitude when faced with challenging problems

Work Authorization: Critical Loop does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e H-1B, TN, STEM OPT training plans etc.).

At Critical Loop, we're committed to rewarding and supporting our team. Our benefits package includes equity ownership through stock options, giving you a stake in our success, along with comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, and vision) through an HRA with a generous allowance. We also provide a retirement savings plan and unlimited paid time off so you can recharge and maintain work-life balance. Critical Loop is an equal opportunity employer. We're committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

## About Critical Loop

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Energy infrastructure, distributed energy resources (DER), battery energy storage systems (BESS), microgrids.
- **Target customers**: B2B / enterprise – industrial manufacturing, data centers, utilities, critical infrastructure, and EV fleet operators.
- **Mission**: “We’re building a world where energy is abundant and accessible on demand.” The company also states it aims to “accelerate access to reliable power, even where it’s otherwise impossible.” [criticalloop.com](https://www.criticalloop.com/about)

## Products & Services
- **Modular Battery Storage Systems**: Relocatable, megawatt-scale batteries that can be deployed in weeks to provide fast, flexible capacity.
- **Microgrid Cabinet**: A smart, scalable cabinet that integrates different power sources (grid, battery, renewables) into a single controlled system.
- **Control Software**: Proprietary platform for orchestrating power sources, real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and optimization.
- **Full‑Spectrum Energy Solutions**: End‑to‑end project development including financing, design, permitting, deployment, and ongoing operations & maintenance.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not disclosed.
- **Key Metric**: 50 MWh deployed, scaling to 100+ MWh in 2026, with a stated path to 5–10 GWh within five years. The company operates 55+ active control nodes under actual utility contracts. [criticalloop.com](https://www.criticalloop.com/)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Not publicly disclosed. The team includes former leaders from SpaceX, Palantir, Tesla, and Rivian, and the company works with “blue‑chip customers” and utilities.
- **Growth Signals**: Rapid scaling of deployed capacity; 67 employees (as of mid‑2026); active hiring across hardware, software, and business development roles; operating in California with utility contracts.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Speed to power**: “Get megawatts in weeks, not years” – a key differentiator in a market where grid interconnection often takes 5+ years.
- **Configurable platform**: Combines grid power with a proprietary battery fleet, allowing the same hardware/software stack to serve multiple industries (manufacturing, data centers, utilities, etc.).
- **Aerospace‑level engineering**: Founding team from SpaceX, Palantir, and Tesla brings rigor in safety, reliability, and system integration.
- **Proven in the field**: Systems already deployed in extreme conditions with real utility contracts, not just prototypes.

## Strategic Focus
- **Current priorities**: Scale deployed capacity to 100+ MWh in 2026, expand industrial customer base, and deepen partnerships with utilities to close grid gaps. The company is solving the “time‑to‑power” problem that limits business growth in the U.S.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “No endless meetings. No busywork. Just real problems, real ownership, and shipping things that matter.” Early‑stage, fast‑paced environment with a bias toward action. [criticalloop.com/careers](https://www.criticalloop.com/careers)
- **Location & work model**: Engineering roles (Senior Mechanical Engineer, Senior Electrical Engineer, Hardware Technical Program Manager) are listed as “Long Beach (On‑site).” Other roles may vary.
- **Notable perks**:
  - Equity ownership (stock options) for all team members.
  - 401(k) retirement savings plan.
  - Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) – a monthly allowance to choose health, dental, and vision plans.
  - Generous paid time off (unlimited for some roles, 15 days for others) and unlimited sick leave.

## Sources
1. [criticalloop.com](https://www.criticalloop.com/) – Main company site with product, deployment, and mission details.
2. [criticalloop.com/careers](https://www.criticalloop.com/careers) – Careers page with culture, perks, and open roles.
3. [criticalloop.com/about](https://www.criticalloop.com/about) – About page with mission, speed‑to‑power narrative, and customer segments.
4. [criticalloop.com/team](https://criticalloop.com/team) – Team page listing co‑founders and leadership backgrounds.
5. [jobs.ashbyhq.com/criticalloop](https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/criticalloop) – Active job listings with salary ranges and location details.

## Other roles at Critical Loop

- [Environmental Health & Safety Officer](https://feeny.ai/job/environmental-health-safety-officer-critical-loop-torrance-1xy8y6q0cd0d) — Torrance, CA
- [Head of Production](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-production-critical-loop-torrance-cpq1713atke4) — Torrance, CA
- [Head of Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/head-of-operations-critical-loop-torrance-8qs8208x1s96) — Torrance, CA
- [Inventory Buyer - BESS Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/inventory-buyer-bess-systems-critical-loop-torrance-7ewe0prt8pxr) — Torrance, CA
- [Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-critical-loop-long-beach-erqr8p9a7mex) — Long Beach, CA
- [Engineering Technician](https://feeny.ai/job/engineering-technician-critical-loop-torrance-kr35etnjj59m) — Torrance, CA
- [Site Operations Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/site-operations-engineer-critical-loop-long-beach-cnv56fdmhyhk) — Long Beach, CA
- [Manufacturing Engineer - Mechnical](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-engineer-mechnical-critical-loop-torrance-tn6yp99j33jg) — Torrance, CA
- [Manufacturing Engineer - Electrical](https://feeny.ai/job/manufacturing-engineer-electrical-critical-loop-torrance-aew2f6ng813y) — Torrance, CA
- [Lead Quality Engineer (Build Operations)](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-quality-engineer-build-operations-critical-loop-torrance-e4eqtkmpafpr) — Torrance, CA