Senior Manager Quality

About This Role

Lead all aspects of Quality Assurance for a defense technology company's Mason Sensors Division, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability in propulsion systems for space, missile defense, and strategic/tactical systems. Drive continual process and product improvement, manage quality personnel, and support division quality, delivery, and cost targets.

Responsibilities

• Manage Quality Engineering and Inspection functions, including quality planning, compliance monitoring, and validation.
• Resolve technical challenges, ensure tactical execution, and implement strategic vision for the Quality department.
• Develop and implement strategic Quality initiatives and programs, adhering to company procedures and government standards.
• Promote a strong culture of quality focused on customer experience and defect prevention.
• Collaborate with program and cross-functional teams to ensure product lifecycle phases meet mission requirements.
• Ensure interaction between manufacturing, operations, and design engineering for seamless product transition to production.
• Maintain quality records for material/products and internal/external customer responses.
• Develop, review, and verify compliance of all Work Package Descriptions for Quality tasks.
• Improve Quality organization efficiency through leadership, training, and process improvement.
• Analyze key quality measures to develop zero defect plans, improve yields, and reduce rework; report to senior leadership.
• Maintain certification and compliance for AS9100, ISO17025, and other required certifications.
• Champion continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma) to enhance first-time yield and reduce defects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline
• 12+ years of progressive experience in quality assurance/engineering or related roles within aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing industries
• 3+ years of direct leadership experience managing quality teams in complex, multi-site, or matrixed organizations supporting defense or aerospace programs
• Demonstrated expertise (2+ years) in implementing and maintaining AS9100/ISO 9001 quality management systems, including GD&T, SPC, APQP/PPAP, and advanced problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Fishbone, Pareto)
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder influence skills
• U.S. citizenship and current ability (or eligibility) to obtain and maintain a Secret (or higher) security clearance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline
• 12+ years of progressive experience in quality assurance/engineering or related roles within aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing industries, including 3+ years of direct leadership experience

Nice to Have

• Master's degree in a related field
• ASQ Certified Quality Manager
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
• Six Sigma Black Belt
• Program Management Professional (PMP)
• Prior involvement with DoD missile/launched effects programs
• Experience with high-volume production ramps or similar high-reliability environments
• Background with L3Harris, legacy Aerojet Rocketdyne, or comparable defense contractors

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits