Quality Manager

Karman Space and Defense

$95K — $115K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or related field; relevant experience may be considered.
  • Over 4 years of progressive quality experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing.
  • Proven experience in maintaining, auditing, and improving AS9100-certified Quality Management Systems.
  • Experience conducting internal, customer, or third-party audits.
  • Hands-on experience in a small-company environment.
  • Strong communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
  • Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Own and improve the AS9100-certified Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Lead internal audits and management reviews, overseeing corrective actions.
  • Serve as the primary contact for audits involving customers and government agencies.
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Operations on risk management and production readiness.
  • Oversee First Article Inspection and nonconformance management processes.
  • Support manufacturing through inspection strategies and quality planning.
  • Manage supplier quality activities, ensuring effective communication and qualification.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation's space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

In this role, you will shape and lead the quality systems that ensure our most critical components meet customer requirements and AS9100 standards. You will drive continuous improvement, oversee audits and core Quality Management System (QMS) activities, guide customer-facing quality communications, and support production readiness across engineering, operations, and supply chain. Your leadership strengthens reliability, elevates team performance, and reinforces our commitment to industry-leading quality.

Responsibilities
  • Owns, maintains, and continuously improves the AS9100-certified Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Leads internal audits, management reviews, root cause and corrective actions (RCCA), and document control activities.
  • Serves as the primary interface for customer, third-party, and government audits, including preparation and corrective action follow-up.
  • Partners with Engineering and Operations on process reviews, risk management, configuration and change control, and production readiness.
  • Oversees AS9102 First Article Inspection, nonconformance management, Material Review Board (MRB) activities, and RCCA.
  • Supports manufacturing with process controls, inspection strategies, quality planning, and problem solving.
  • Manages supplier quality activities including requirement flow-downs, qualification, performance monitoring, and corrective actions.
  • Leads and develops quality personnel with clear performance expectations and accountability.
  • Monitors and communicates quality metrics and trends to identify opportunities for corrective and preventive improvements.
  • Promotes a culture of quality ownership, prevention, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, manufacturing, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.
  • More than 4 years of progressive experience in quality within aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience maintaining, auditing, and improving an AS9100-certified QMS.
  • Experience leading or participating in internal, customer, or third-party audits.
  • Ability and willingness to work hands-on in a small-company environment.
  • Excellent communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven experience as a Quality Manager in the aerospace industry.
  • Experience in precision machining or contract manufacturing environments.
  • Experience managing or mentoring quality personnel.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

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