Senior Director of Quality - Direct Hire

Summary

We are seeking a results-driven Senior Director of Quality to lead our quality organization within a high-precision aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This role is critical in ensuring product and process compliance with AS9100 , ISO 9001 , and all relevant U.S. government contract requirements . The Senior Director of Quality will be responsible for strategic leadership, continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and quality systems management across all programs and sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and manage the Quality Assurance organization across multiple locations.
• Maintain and continually improve the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with AS9100 , ISO 9001 , and applicable DoD and government contract standards .
• Serve as the primary quality liaison with customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure robust internal audit programs, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action systems are in place.
• Oversee quality planning for new programs, including design and production readiness reviews, FAI, and PPAP as applicable.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using tools such as Six Sigma, Lean, SPC, and FMEA.
• Manage risk assessments, quality metrics, and performance reporting to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with DFARS, ITAR, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead and support quality certification and surveillance audits.
• Guide team development, training, and mentoring of quality staff.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related technical field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive quality leadership in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Extensive experience with AS9100D, ISO 9001, military specifications, and DoD contract environments.
• Proven success managing multi-site quality operations in a regulated manufacturing setting.
• Direct interface experience with DCMA, FAA, DoD, and certification bodies.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Experience managing NADCAP processes or special processes (e.g., welding, heat treat, NDT).
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and digital QMS platforms.

Certifications Required:

• ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) (required)
• ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or equivalent (preferred)
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Certification (preferred)

Additional Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract work.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.