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Job Title: Quality Manager – AS9100 Missile Systems & Defense Manufacturing Position Summary We are seeking a hands-on Quality Manager to lead and maintain our AS9100-certified Quality Management System in support of missile systems and defense programs. This role is responsible for ensuring the highest levels of product integrity, reliability, and compliance for mission-critical and safety-critical components. Operating within a small business environment, this position requires a balance of strategic leadership and direct, hands-on involvement in production, inspection, audits, and customer interaction. The ideal candidate understands the rigor of missile system requirements, including traceability, configuration control, and zero-defect expectations. Key Responsibilities • Quality Management System (QMS) & Mission Assurance • Own and maintain the AS9100 Rev D QMS with a focus on mission-critical reliability. • Ensure compliance with DoD, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, and missile program-specific requirements. • Promote a "zero-defect" and mission assurance mindset across the organization. • Missile Systems Compliance & Risk Control • Ensure strict adherence to requirements for Critical Safety Items (CSI) and Key Characteristics. • Support configuration management and change control processes to prevent unauthorized deviations. • Participate in risk management, failure analysis, and reliability assurance activities. • Hands-On Production Quality • Provide direct shop floor support including inspections, AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI), and in-process verification. • Ensure compliance with detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and special process requirements. • Oversee nonconforming material control and support MRB activities in coordination with customers. • Traceability & Documentation Control • Maintain full material and process traceability from raw material through final delivery. • Ensure compliance with serialization, lot control, and record retention requirements. • Manage documentation packages (e.g., FAIRs, CoCs, test reports) to meet stringent customer expectations. • Audits & Government Interface • Lead internal audits and coordinate external audits (AS9100, DCMA, prime/sub contractors). • Act as the primary quality interface with DCMA, DoD representatives, and other contractors. • Ensure continuous audit readiness with minimal operational disruption. • Corrective Action & Failure Analysis • Lead root cause analysis using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone). • Manage CAPA, customer complaints, and Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs). • Support failure investigations and containment for mission-critical nonconformances. • Supplier Quality Management • Manage Approved Supplier List (ASL) with strict flow-down of missile system requirements. • Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance with special processes (e.g., NADCAP). • Monitor supplier performance and drive corrective actions as needed. • Continuous Improvement • Implement practical, scalable improvements aligned with small business operations. • Drive improvements in quality, reliability, and on-time delivery without adding unnecessary complexity. • Track and report key metrics tied to mission readiness and customer satisfaction. Qualifications • Education • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field (or equivalent experience) • Experience • Ability to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance • 8+ years of quality experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing • Direct experience supporting missile systems or similar high-reliability defense programs strongly preferred • Strong working knowledge of AS9100 Rev D • Experience with defense compliance (FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, DCMA oversight) • Certifications (Preferred) • AS9100 Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor • ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) • Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt) Key Skills & Competencies • Deep understanding of mission-critical quality and "zero defect" expectations • Strong knowledge of traceability, configuration control, and documentation rigor • Experience with Critical Safety Items (CSI) and key characteristic control • Hands-on problem solver with urgency and attention to detail • Ability to operate effectively in a small, fast-paced environment • Strong communication skills with government, primes, and internal teams Work Environment • Combination of office and production floor • High interaction with engineering, production, and leadership • Regular interaction with customer and government quality representatives What Makes This Role Unique • Direct impact on mission-critical missile systems and national defense programs • High-visibility role with exposure to major defense primes and government agencies • Opportunity to shape and scale a quality system in a growing defense-focused small business • Broad, hands-on responsibility across all aspects of quality and compliance