Title: Quality Manager - UAS Manufacturing
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, VA (Year 1); Winchester, VA (Year 2+). Onsite - Full Time
FLSA: Exempt

Role Summary

The Quality Manager owns the AS9100D Quality Management System (QMS) for our UAS manufacturing operations, leading all quality assurance and control activities - inspection, configuration management, product release, and internal audits - to ensure compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements. Operating independently from Production, this role has the authority to stop production for quality or compliance risks, and will build and scale the quality organization to support high-rate defense and commercial UAS manufacturing.

The role is based in Sterling, VA during Year 1 to support production launch and QMS implementation, then transitions to our Winchester, VA facility in Year 2.

Essential Responsibilities

• Establish, implement, and continuously improve the AS9100D QMS, including quality procedures, inspection plans, work instructions, and nonconformance processes.
• Partner with Engineering on Design and Development processes that meet AS9100 requirements.
• Own configuration management (revision control, effectivity, serial traceability) and document control/records required for AS9100 compliance.
• Lead the internal audit program - planning, auditor training, execution, reporting, and corrective action follow-up - and serve as the organization's Lead Auditor (AS9100 Lead Auditor certification required if not already held).
• Coordinate customer, regulatory, and third-party quality audits.
• Build and lead the inspection team (incoming, in-process, and final assembly), establishing inspection criteria for structural, avionics, propulsion, and hydrogen system components; verify compliance with approved configurations prior to release.
• Validate traceability documentation, issue Certificates of Conformance, and hold product acceptance/release authority.
• Own the Nonconformance Report (NCR) system: containment, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Partner with Supply Chain on supplier quality performance, nonconformances, and corrective actions.
• Track and report quality metrics (first-pass yield, defect rates, on-time delivery, supplier performance, customer satisfaction) and drive process improvements with Engineering and Production to reduce quality escapes.
• Directly manage Incoming, In-Process, and Final Assembly Quality Inspectors, while maintaining Quality's independence from Production and Engineering.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

• 8+ years in aerospace, UAS, defense, or safety-critical quality manufacturing.
• Direct experience with AS9100 (or equivalent: EN9100, AS9110, AS9120) quality systems, including configuration control/traceability and issuing release documentation (e.g., CoCs).
• Experience managing inspection teams and leading internal quality audits (planning, evidence gathering, nonconformance identification, and closure).
• Formal AS9100-accredited Internal Auditor training, completed or obtained within 90 days of hire.

Preferred:

• Experience with regulated, contract-driven, or export-controlled manufacturing programs.
• Track record scaling quality systems in fast-growth environments.
• Experience with customer auditors or government representatives.
• Active Lead Auditor certification (IRCA or Exemplar Global AS9100) and Internal Auditor certificate.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand and walk on the production floor for extended periods during inspections, audits, and manufacturing support.
• Ability to visually inspect components, assemblies, documentation, and quality records, including distinguishing small details and identifying defects.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach when inspecting equipment, assemblies, and production areas.
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear, while working in manufacturing areas.
• Ability to travel occasionally to customer, supplier, or company locations as required.

Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick time, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.