Director of Quality Assurance

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies' core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation's space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

As Director of Quality Assurance, you will lead the Quality organization across our Corona and South El Monte sites, ensuring a robust Quality Management System (QMS) and driving measurable improvements in product and process quality. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams to translate customer expectations into clear quality strategies, resolve systemic issues, and build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and quality ownership.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Quality Assurance organization across both sites, managing staffing, development, performance, and accountability.
• Provides clear direction and establishes priorities, metrics, and expectations for quality performance.
• Develops and executes Quality Improvement Plans informed by customer feedback, audit findings, nonconformances, and performance trends.
• Serves as the primary Voice of the Customer (VOC) focal point for quality matters and converts customer concerns into internal improvement actions.
• Leads root cause and corrective action (CAPA/RCCA) activities, ensuring effective containment, corrective action, verification, and timely closure.
• Facilitates Corrective Action Board (CAB) meetings, driving cross-functional ownership of actions and tracking progress to closure.
• Identifies and leads continuous improvement projects to improve product quality, process capability, first-pass yield, and reduce defects and rework.
• Partners with Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, and Program Management to address systemic defects and strengthen process controls.
• Oversees supplier approval, auditing, monitoring, and corrective actions to maintain supplier quality performance.
• Manages document change control, MRB (material review board) activities, and internal audits to ensure compliance with the QMS and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience, American Society for Quality (ASQ) training, or certification.
• Minimum five years of experience in quality control or quality assurance within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum five years of experience implementing or managing ISO Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Demonstrated experience leading root cause analysis, corrective action, and preventive action (CAPA/RCCA) processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving corrective actions to closure.
• Experience facilitating corrective action reviews, quality boards, or similar cross-functional forums.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D.
• Experience with customer and supplier audits.
• Familiarity with aerospace and defense manufacturing processes, customer specifications, and quality requirements.
• Ability to conduct formal training on quality and customer requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to identify trends and drive improvement.
• Ability to lead and develop a Quality organization and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Knowledge of QMS reporting, record keeping, and quality management processes.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.