Quality Manager - Aerospace

Job Title: Quality Manager – AS9100 Missile Systems & Defense Manufacturing

Position Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Quality Manager to lead and maintain our AS9100-certified Quality Management System in support of missile systems and defense programs. This role is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of product integrity, reliability, and compliance for mission-critical and safety-critical components.

Operating within a small business environment, this position requires a balance of strategic leadership and direct, hands-on involvement in production, inspection, audits, and customer interaction. The ideal candidate understands the rigor of missile system requirements, including traceability, configuration control, and zero-defect expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality Management System (QMS) & Mission Assurance
  • Own and maintain the AS9100 Rev D QMS with a focus on mission-critical reliability.
  • Ensure compliance with DoD, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and missile program-specific requirements.
  • Promote a "zero-defect" and mission assurance mindset across the organization.
• Missile Systems Compliance & Risk Control
  • Ensure strict adherence to requirements for Critical Safety Items (CSI) and Key Characteristics.
  • Support configuration management and change control processes to prevent unauthorized deviations.
  • Participate in risk management, failure analysis, and reliability assurance activities.
• Hands-On Production Quality
  • Provide direct shop floor support including inspections, AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI), and in-process verification.
  • Ensure compliance with detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and special process requirements.
  • Oversee nonconforming material control and support MRB activities in coordination with customers.
• Traceability & Documentation Control
  • Maintain full material and process traceability from raw material through final delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with serialization, lot control, and record retention requirements.
  • Manage documentation packages (e.g., FAIRs, CoCs, test reports) to meet stringent customer expectations.
• Audits & Government Interface
  • Lead internal audits and coordinate external audits (AS9100, DCMA, prime/sub contractors).
  • Act as the primary quality interface with DCMA, DoD representatives, and other contractors.
  • Ensure continuous audit readiness with minimal operational disruption.
• Corrective Action & Failure Analysis
  • Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
  • Manage CAPA, customer complaints, and Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs).
  • Support failure investigations and containment for mission-critical nonconformances.
• Supplier Quality Management
  • Manage Approved Supplier List (ASL) with strict flow-down of missile system requirements.
  • Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance with special processes (e.g., NADCAP).
  • Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Implement practical, scalable improvements aligned with small business operations.
  • Drive improvements in quality, reliability, and on-time delivery without adding unnecessary complexity.
  • Track and report key metrics tied to mission readiness and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance
  • 8+ years of quality experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing
  • Direct experience supporting missile systems or similar high-reliability defense programs strongly preferred
  • Strong working knowledge of AS9100 Rev D
  • Experience with defense compliance (FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, DCMA oversight)
• Certifications (Preferred)
  • AS9100 Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor
  • ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
  • Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of mission-critical quality and "zero defect" expectations
• Strong knowledge of traceability, configuration control, and documentation rigor
• Experience with Critical Safety Items (CSI) and key characteristic control
• Hands-on problem solver with urgency and attention to detail
• Ability to operate effectively in a small, fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills with government, primes, and internal teams

Work Environment

• Combination of office and production floor
• High interaction with engineering, production, and leadership
• Regular interaction with customer and government quality representatives

What Makes This Role Unique

• Direct impact on mission-critical missile systems and national defense programs
• High-visibility role with exposure to major defense primes and government agencies
• Opportunity to shape and scale a quality system in a growing defense-focused small business
• Broad, hands-on responsibility across all aspects of quality and compliance