Quality Manager - Defense / Military

The Quality Manager is responsible for leading enterprise-wide quality strategy, ensuring products, services, and processes consistently meet or exceed customer and regulatory expectations. Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, this role provides leadership in quality management systems, continuous improvement, compliance, and risk mitigation. The Quality Manager partners cross-functionally to embed a culture of excellence, accountability, and customer focus, driving improvements in operational performance and long-term sustainability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Leadership

Develop, implement, and oversee the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).

Ensure policies, procedures, and standards align with customer, industry, and regulatory requirements.

Lead audits, inspections, and certifications to maintain compliance and industry credibility.

Continuous Improvement

Partner with operational leaders to identify and eliminate process inefficiencies, defects, and risks.

Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and root-cause analysis methodologies to drive measurable improvements.

Track, report, and act upon quality metrics and KPIs to sustain performance excellence.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and industry standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA, FDA if applicable).

Lead risk assessments, corrective actions, and preventive measures to safeguard business continuity.

Provide proactive guidance on emerging regulatory and compliance requirements.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as the primary contact for quality-related customer interactions, audits, and escalations.

Build strong partnerships with suppliers and vendors to enforce quality standards across the supply chain.

Enhance customer satisfaction through timely issue resolution and continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and develop quality and compliance teams.

Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

Ensure proper recruitment, training, and retention of quality professionals.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Proven leadership in quality management across complex organizations.

Strong knowledge of QMS, compliance frameworks, and industry standards.

Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.

Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders.

Experience with QA requirements for Defense Contractors as follows:

Familiar with interpretation of Q-notes& processing FAIs

Must be able to read blueprints, schematics & PIDs

Experienced in inspection of shop welded fabrications, Electrical assemblies & mechanical assemblies

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Quality Management, or 10 years of related field experience preferred.

Minimum of 8+ years of progressive quality leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior role.

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), or Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

AWS Certification preferred or willingness to get within 6 months.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

Achievement of quality, compliance, and regulatory objectives.

Reduction of defects, nonconformances, and customer complaints.

Sustained improvement in quality KPIs, including first pass yield and customer satisfaction.

Successful audits, certifications, and regulatory inspections.

Employee engagement, development, and retention within the quality function.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Primarily office-based environment with regular interaction with executives, employees, and external stakeholders.

Regular travel required to company sites, suppliers, and customer facilities.

Extended hours may be required during audits, certifications, or critical quality events.

Health, Dental, Vision

PTO & Holidays

Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

HSA, 401k, profit sharing