Quality Systems Manager
This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing startup in the aerospace/defense industry as the Site Quality Manager. This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership opportunity, responsible for successfully introducing new hardware products into production through robust quality design, scalable processes, and compliant documentation. This role is critical in connecting design, NPI, and core quality management principles to ensure safe, reliable, and repeatable product performance.
As the site’s primary quality representative, you will partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations across the full product development lifecycle. You will apply industry best practices, including ISO 9001 principles, to implement right-sized quality systems that support early production builds, operational efficiency, and long-term compliance. In addition, you will establish the site’s quality control function from the ground up, building inspection, test, and supplier quality capabilities to support production scale and business growth.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support all phases of the New Product Introduction (NPI) lifecycle, including design reviews, process development, validation, and prototype and pilot build activities.
- Partner with engineering teams to collect product and process data and define quality plans, inspection criteria, control strategies, and test methods for new products.
- Define and execute a Quality Control strategy that enables low-rate initial production and supports scalable production ramp-up.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to identify quality and process issues, drive timely resolution, and enhance overall NPI effectiveness.
- Work closely with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to integrate quality requirements into product and process designs.
- Perform risk assessments including FMEA, DFMEA, and PFMEA, ensuring mitigation actions are implemented, verified, and tracked to closure.
- Establish and deploy the site’s supplier quality assurance strategy and associated processes.
- Review and approve first article inspections, PPAP submissions, qualification builds, and validation documentation.
- Lead root cause investigations and own corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for NPI-related quality issues.
- Support process capability analysis and implement appropriate statistical process control methods.
- Capture lessons learned, promote standardization, and drive continuous improvement across future NPI programs.
- Develop and execute a roadmap for Quality Management System (QMS) implementation, building scalable processes that ensure compliance, business continuity, and long-term growth.
- Provide quality leadership, training, and mentorship to engineering, operations, and technical teams.
Requirements And Desired Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace or similar field.
- 7 or more years of progressive experience in quality engineering, manufacturing, or a similar technical discipline.
- Hands-on experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and Product Lifecycle Change Management processes.
- Proven expertise with FMEAs, control plans, PPAPs, and quality management systems such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and/or AS9100.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, design for manufacturability (DFM), and process validation methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis capabilities.
- Strong knowledge of aerospace or industrial quality systems, inspection techniques, and quality engineering fundamentals.
- Familiar with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and U.S. Government regulations.
- Able to rapidly learn new concepts, apply them accurately, and manage shifting priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
- ERP and/or PLM system experience preferred; Costpoint ERP and/or Arena PLM a plus
- Early-stage, high-growth technology or hardware startup environment experience a plus
- Demonstrated ability to drive change, mature processes, and scale quality systems to support evolving business needs.
- Proven success managing complex, fast-paced operations in a dynamic environment.
- Must be a US citizen, able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Compensation (DOE): $140k - $165k annual base salary
