Director of Quality Assurance

Overview RIX Industries is a technology-focused company specializing in the design, development and manufacturing of gas generation systems, precision compressor solutions, and cryogenic cooling technologies for critical applications in Marine, Aerospace, Land, Energy, Industrial, Medical, and Critical Infrastructure markets. Founded in 1878, the company is headquartered in Benicia, CA, and operates additional facilities in Sparks, NV. Position Summary: The Director of Quality Assurance is the enterprise authority responsible for ensuring RIX Industries consistently delivers compliant, mission‑critical products that meet the rigorous expectations of aerospace and defense customers. In aerospace and defense, quality is synonymous with trust—trust in documentation, traceability, configuration control, and confidence that every delivered system performs as intended. This leader transforms quality from inspection‑driven oversight to capability‑based manufacturing, where variation is controlled, risk is managed proactively, and integrity under pressure is non‑negotiable. This role will lead the organization’s evolution from a compliance‑driven quality model to a proactive, prevention‑focused quality system that strengthens operational performance and customer trust. Responsibilities Directly supervises the Quality System functional leaders, guiding their professional development and ensuring effective team performance. Ensures quality management staff are properly trained, equipped, and supported to execute their responsibilities efficiently and in compliance with regulatory and company requirements. Develops, maintains and manages Departmental plans, budgets and schedules to support strategic priorities and annual business objectives. Supports and promotes effective utilization and continuous improvement of the RIX ERP system. Leads the authorship, maintenance, and enforcement of the RIX Quality Management System to ensure consistent application of quality standards across the organization. Leads the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and process improvements that strengthen quality assurance and control while supporting efficient material flow through RIX manufacturing operations. Provides senior policy and process leadership to ensure Production Readiness is integrated into the RIX New Product Introduction process, including the early development of quality assurance and control plans as new configurations emerge at both suppliers and RIX facilities. Partners with Supply Chain Management and Engineering to develop strategies and policies that promote excellence in supplier quality and strengthen upstream process capability. Leads the advancement and certification of RIX manufacturing core competencies, including welding. Serves as the Level 3 authority for the RIX welding program, maintaining requirements awareness, refining processes, and overseeing welder certification program management. Directs the development and implementation of performance measurement systems, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), to evaluate process effectiveness and guide quality improvement initiatives. Fosters collaborative relationships across all RIX functions to ensure quality objectives are aligned with operational and strategic priorities. Builds and protects a culture grounded in trust, where employees are accountable for producing and passing forward only conforming product. Empowers employees to question potential nonconformance without fear of retaliation and reinforces adherence to established procedures and standards. Lead by example in demonstrating integrity and ensuring processes are followed so that doing the right thing is always the easiest and expected path. Applies proactive systems thinking to anticipate risks and identify operational bottlenecks before they impact performance. Champions a continuous improvement mindset by simplifying processes, reducing waste, and strengthening operational efficiency. Fosters collaborative leadership by partnering with Engineering, Quality Control, and Supply Chain to resolve issues and improve outcomes. Hold teams accountable while maintaining professional respect and trust. Drives a sense of operational urgency to accelerate issue resolution and improvement efforts. All other duties assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field. 15 years in aerospace or defense manufacturing quality leadership with experience leading high‑performing teams and a proven track record of meeting or exceeding operational goals. Working knowledge of DCMA oversight and experience interfacing with government representatives. Familiarity with FAR and DFARS requirements as they relate to quality systems, compliance, and government contracts. 5 years leading under AS9100‑compliant systems. Demonstrated leadership in external audits and regulatory environments. Deep knowledge of configuration management and document control. Training, experience or education in management of continuous improvement, change management and Lean/Six Sigma disciplines. Strong Lean/Six Sigma background with applied statistical discipline. Proven experience leading supplier quality in aerospace environments. Supplemental education or related experience in Quality Management System implementation, management and reporting. Advanced computer skills with the ability to adapt to a variety of software applications. Exceptional communications skills, including group presentations. Demonstrated ability developing, deploying and leveraging KPIs to promote operations excellence. Knowledge and practiced application of accounting, budgeting and scheduling processes. Ability to balance multiple projects & processes simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. Ability to understand the use and application of Air and Gas Compressors and Generators. Ability to travel up to 15% of the time depending on business need. Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or qualified U.S. Person in accordance with ALU 22CFR 120.1. Preferred Qualifications Master's Degree in Engineering or related technical field. Memberships in ASQC & AWS. Physical Requirements 1. This position is regularly exposed to the following conditions: Manufacturing, warehouse and office environment. While working near moving equipment, mechanical parts and lift trucks; must have the ability to follow safe operating procedures. May be exposed to loud noise, fumes and/or toxic chemicals. 2. Must have the following physical abilities: Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, stretch, reach, and lift. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a desk or table as well as machine tools or printers. Compensation $185,000 + DOE Equal Opportunity RIX Industries is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with RIX Industries, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations). #J-18808-Ljbffr RIX Industries