Quality Manager - Aerospace

Quality Manager - AerospaceHuntsville, AL, USA, Full TimePosition SummaryWe 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 ResponsibilitiesQuality 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.QualificationsEducation Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (or equivalent experience)Experience Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance8+ years of quality experience in aerospace/defense manufacturingDirect experience supporting missile systems or similar high-reliability defense programs strongly preferredStrong working knowledge of AS9100 Rev DExperience with defense compliance (FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, DCMA oversight)Certifications (Preferred) AS9100 Lead Auditor or Internal AuditorASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt)Key Skills & CompetenciesDeep understanding of mission-critical quality and "zero defect" expectationsStrong knowledge of traceability, configuration control, and documentation rigorExperience with Critical Safety Items (CSI) and key characteristic controlHands-on problem solver with urgency and attention to detailAbility to operate effectively in a small, fast-paced environmentStrong communication skills with government, primes, and internal teamsWork EnvironmentCombination of office and production floorHigh interaction with engineering, production, and leadershipRegular interaction with customer and government quality representativesWhat Makes This Role UniqueDirect impact on mission-critical missile systems and national defense programsHigh-visibility role with exposure to major defense primes and government agenciesOpportunity to shape and scale a quality system in a growing defense-focused small businessBroad, hands-on responsibility across all aspects of quality and compliance