POSITION SUMMARY

The Head of Quality is a senior organizational leader responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality function across design, manufacturing, and field operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role owns the quality management system (QMS), regulatory certification posture, and the culture of quality across all programs. This role leads a team of quality engineers, inspectors, and auditors and serves as the primary quality liaison with customers, regulatory authorities, and certification bodies.Leads the enterprise quality organization, setting strategy and standards for product assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across all programs. Level and salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and evolve the company-wide QMS in compliance with AS9100 Rev D and applicable FAA/EASA regulations
• Define quality strategy aligned to company growth, program milestones, and customer requirements
• Lead the quality organization through hiring, development, and performance management
• Serve as the management representative for all third-party and regulatory audits (DCMA, customer, NADCAP)
• Drive a metrics-driven culture: OTD, escape rate, DPPM, cost of poor quality (COPQ)
• Executive escalation point for all critical NCRs, field escapes, and MRB dispositions
• Champion design for quality, DFMEAs, and systems engineering integration
• Partner with the COO and executive team on risk management and program reviews
• Establish and enforce supplier quality standards in coordination with supply chain
• Support business development by representing quality in proposal reviews and customer audits

Leadership & Strategy

• Builds organizational capability through coaching and talent development
• Balances safety culture with program schedule and cost realities
• Drives systemic improvement rather than reactive firefighting
• Influences cross-functionally without direct authority
• Makes principled decisions under regulatory and customer scrutiny
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief Operating Officer and leadership on quality, compliance, and risk matters
• Help define and execute the company27s overall quality strategy in alignment with business goals

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Note: Level and compensation will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

Education & Experience

• B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering; M.S. or MBA preferred

• 12+ years of quality engineering and leadership experience in aerospace or defense

• Demonstrated experience leading quality organizations of 15+ people

• Deep expertise in AS9100, NADCAP, FAR/DFAR, and DAL/DO-178 (as applicable)

• Experience as a management representative for AS9100 or comparable certification

• Proven track record managing DCMA or FAA oversight relationships

• CQE or CQM/OE certification (ASQ) strongly preferred

• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance obligations at the enterprise level

• Executive-level communication skills; experience presenting to C-suite and customers

Functional Competencies

• Strong business judgment and ability to balance risk with commercial objectives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to operate in a fast0paced, evolving environment
• Collaborative leadership style and influencing skills
• Strong project management discipline, highly organized, and takes ownership.
• Uses sound judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
• Demonstrated organization skills to meet tight deadlines with high quality results
• Strong agility and adaptability to integrate quickly into a small team.

Persona

• Passion for space and the mission.
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset.
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally.
• Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster.

Core Competencies:

Embody our core values of Leadership, Innovation, and Teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Accountability
• Technical Rigor
• Execution Discipline
• Pride of Delivery

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the discretion to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.