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