CPI International

Director - Quality

CPI International$100K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
  • 8-10 years of progressive quality leadership experience in manufacturing, ideally in electronics or high-reliability sectors
  • Active engagement in operational execution and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Strong knowledge of quality management systems and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC)
  • Experience with ISO 9001 certification; familiarity with AS9100/ISO 13485 preferred
  • Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing change
  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at various organizational levels

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute a quality strategy aligned with business and customer objectives
  • Lead teams to deliver high-quality, reliable products efficiently
  • Maintain and improve the Quality Management System for compliance
  • Provide hands-on leadership in manufacturing environments
  • Drive a proactive quality culture emphasizing improvement and customer satisfaction
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and enhance processes
  • Lead audits and compliance inspections to ensure regulatory adherence

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Collaborative work environment focusing on continuous improvement
  • Engagement in a leadership role with direct team impact
  • Visibility and hands-on participation in operations
  • Support for innovative quality practices and methodologies
Full Job Description
We are seeking a hands-on, people-focused Director of Quality to lead our organization in delivering world-class products with the reliability, consistency, and performance our customers depend on. This role is ideal for a quality leader who thrives on being visible in operations, coaching teams in real time, driving accountability, and building strong cross-functional partnerships. You will lead the company's quality strategy while remaining deeply connected to daily execution - from solving production challenges on the floor to mentoring leaders, strengthening systems, and championing a culture of continuous improvement.

As the senior quality leader for the business, you will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Sales, and Customer Service to ensure quality is embedded throughout the product lifecycle - from design and launch through manufacturing and delivery.

Quality Strategy & Operational Leadership

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive quality strategy aligned with business objectives, customer expectations, and operational priorities
  • Lead the organization in delivering high-quality, reliable products in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible
  • Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations
  • Provide visible, hands-on leadership within manufacturing and operational environments, supporting teams directly on the production floor
  • Drive a proactive quality culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, problem solving, and customer satisfaction
  • Partner closely with leaders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Operations to resolve quality concerns and improve processes


Team Leadership & People Development

  • Lead, coach, and mentor a team of quality professionals, building a high-performing and engaged quality organization
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, prioritization, and support for quality assurance personnel
  • Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, performance management, and succession planning
  • Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment that encourages ownership, learning, and continuous development
  • Design and implement Quality Assurance training programs for key operational and technical personnel


Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement

  • Maintain and improve the company Quality Management System, Quality Manual, SOPs, standards, records, and associated documentation
  • Oversee document control processes for new and revised quality documentation
  • Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure quality performance and drive corrective actions
  • Lead corrective and preventive action activities (CAPA/CAR/PAR), root cause investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DMAIC, validation activities, risk management, and operational improvement programs
  • Support product traceability, final product disposition, document review/release functions, and labeling processes


Audits, Compliance & Supplier Quality

  • Lead internal audits, compliance inspections, and quality assessments to ensure adherence to regulatory and internal standards
  • Support customer audits, external regulatory inspections, and certification activities
  • Generate audit reports, corrective action plans, and recommendations for improvement
  • Conduct supplier and contract manufacturer audits and follow through on corrective action requirements
  • Ensure compliance with applicable standards including ISO, AS, FDA, cGMP, and customer-specific requirements


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree considered an asset
  • Minimum 8-10 years of progressive quality leadership experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably within electronics or other high-reliability industries
  • Demonstrated success leading quality teams while remaining actively engaged in operational execution and continuous improvement activities
  • Strong knowledge of quality management systems, methodologies, and tools including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and DMAIC
  • Experience implementing and maintaining ISO 9001 certification; AS9100 and/or ISO 13485 experience strongly preferred
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence organizational change
  • Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving capabilities with exceptional attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build credibility and relationships at all levels of the organization
  • Experience with quality management software and ERP systems


Preferred Experience

  • Communications, defense, medical device, or other highly regulated/high-reliability manufacturing industries
  • Regulatory environments involving ISO, AS9100, ISO 13485, FDA, or cGMP requirements
  • Leading organizational quality transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Supplier quality management and external audit leadership


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About CPI International

CPI International is a leading provider of microwave, radio frequency, power and control solutions for critical defense, communications, medical, scientific and other applications. The company has a long history of innovation and has been at the forefront of many technological advancements in its field. CPI International is committed to providing its customers with the highest quality products and services, and has a strong reputation for reliability and performance. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and has operations in the United States, Europe and Asia.
Learn more about CPI International
Industry
Founded
1948

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