Director of Quality - Aerospace Machining

Director of Quality TekPro is partnered with a premier precision machining company in the Bay Area in their search for a Director of Quality! Our client is longstanding shop that is winning massive contracts in commercial aerospace, defense, and semiconductor equipment markets. Due to growth, we have a brand-new position opening for a Director of Quality. Industry: Aerospace & Defense | Precision CNC Manufacturing Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Summary We are seeking an experienced Director of Quality to lead quality operations for a growing precision manufacturing company serving the aerospace and defense industries. This position will provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Inspection, Metrology, and Quality Management Systems. The Director will play a critical role in strengthening AS9100 compliance, improving manufacturing quality, developing standardized processes, and supporting the company's continued growth as a Tier 1 aerospace and defense supplier. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in high‑precision CNC manufacturing, a strong understanding of aerospace quality requirements, and a demonstrated ability to build effective quality systems while working closely with engineering, production, and executive leadership. Requirements Lead and continuously improve the company's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, AS9102, and customer‑specific requirements. Oversee Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Inspection, Metrology, Calibration, and related quality functions. Develop and implement quality strategies, procedures, inspection standards, and performance metrics. Lead internal, customer, and third‑party audits, including corrective action planning and implementation. Establish effective inspection processes, including first‑piece, in‑process, final inspection, and First Article Inspection (FAI). Oversee CMM programming, dimensional inspection, measurement systems, and calibration programs. Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, and customer quality escapes. Manage nonconforming material processes, NCRs, MRB activities, and product disposition. Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering to improve machining processes, process capability, and first‑pass yield. Support quality planning for new product introductions, manufacturing process changes, and complex machining operations. Ensure compliance with material traceability, supplier quality, configuration management, and customer documentation requirements. Develop and mentor quality personnel, establish departmental accountability, and promote a proactive quality culture. Establish and monitor quality KPIs, including customer escapes, scrap, rework, inspection performance, and corrective action effectiveness. Serve as the primary quality representative for customer concerns, audits, and major quality initiatives. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline. 10+ years of progressive quality experience in manufacturing, including at least 5 years in quality leadership. Strong experience in aerospace, defense, precision CNC machining, or similarly regulated manufacturing environments. Thorough knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, AS9102, and aerospace quality requirements. Experience managing Quality Management Systems, inspection operations, and quality engineering functions. Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, engineering drawings, GD&T, dimensional inspection, and manufacturing tolerances. Proven experience with root cause analysis, corrective actions, nonconforming product control, and continuous improvement. Experience leading internal and external audits and maintaining regulatory and customer compliance. Familiarity with CMM inspection, metrology, calibration, PFMEA, SPC, and process capability analysis. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, improve manufacturing quality, and collaborate across engineering and production departments. ASQ certifications, including CQE, CQA, or CMQ/OE, are preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr