Director of Quality

POSITION/JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Quality is responsible for all aspects of Quality across the company, including systems (Quality Management System) and results (delivered quality measured in COPQ, First Pass Yield, Customer Escapes, and financial impact) through ensuring an appropriate and functioning system of checks and balances that facilitate operations.

The Director will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day direction for a diverse team of hourly and salaried Quality team members located at manufacturing sites in Fort Collins, CO., and Cody, WY. Working closely with cross-functional teams and leaders, this senior leader will drive operational excellence and foster a culture of quality, as they plan and implement the global quality systems strategy including documentation, training, organizational planning, implementation of technology, analysis and handling of any complaints, and developing and implementing tactical plans to meet company, corporate and customer objectives.

This is a key change agent position accountable for assessing, maintaining, and enhancing the effectiveness and suitability of the Quality Management system and overall product quality signature across the organization in accordance with AS9100D, ISO9001:2015, ITAR, and customer requirements.

This role also involves leading data-driven process improvements, daily inspection activities, and collaboration with various departments to support customer deliverables and drive continuous improvement initiatives designed to improve the quality & conformance of our products.

The Director of Quality is the lead for customer interface activities for communication, particularly quality system, technical issues, continual improvement, corrective action, and, when necessary, containment.

The ideal candidate has experience in Aerospace, Defense & Space and component/part manufacturing, with a demonstrated ability to be equally effective communicating with customers, in the board room, as with inspectors and machinists.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accountable for the overall execution and administration of the company's Quality Management System and Inspection processes.
• Provide leadership and direction to the Quality team, overseeing day-to-day activities in inspection and customer quality assurance.
• Develop, implement, and oversee Quality Control strategies and procedures ensuring the organization meets both internal and external requirements, including legal/regulatory compliance and customer expectations.
• Identify opportunities for enhancing manufacturing processes and implementing best practices to optimize quality and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and certifications, conduct internal audits and facilitate corrective actions as needed.
• Manage the hosting of external quality system audits by third party, customers, and government agencies.
• Establish strong corrective/preventive action systems to continually improve operational performance and performance in meeting customer requirements (Scrap, Rework, Cost of Poor Quality, Quality Escapes, Returns)
• Act as main point of escalation and problem resolution for customers as needed to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Manage supplier quality: qualification, product and customer requirements, and drive improvements with key suppliers.
• Collaborate with suppliers to maintain quality standards for incoming materials and components, driving continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
• Utilize data analysis techniques to monitor quality metrics, identify trends, and drive informed decision-making to prevent defects and improve overall quality performance.
• Build quality department organizational capability by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training and developing employees.
• Develop validation protocols with Operations for key customer requirements.
• Improve utilization and effectiveness of quality inspection plans.
• Train teams on QMS processes, continuous improvement tools, and methods to ensure deadlines are met.
• Develop inspection strategies for incoming, in-process, and pre-shipment stages.
• Demonstrated ability to support the Quality team by teaching inspection methodologies and performing inspection responsibilities as needed.
• Implement a unified approach to Quality processes, including corrective actions, audit closures, material review boards, KPI reporting, and process control.
• Set annual quality goals and develop/implement strategies to achieve them.
• As a member of the executive leadership team, provide input and direction for the strategy, priorities, and objectives of the company.
• Ensure quality team requirements are met, and provide leadership to develop, coach, and support the team for strong performance.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Previous inspection and quality management system experience with aerospace and military products.
• Strong understanding of quality control standards, testing techniques, and industry specifications (AS9100D, ISO9001:2015, NADCAP, ITAR, and DOD-DFARS)
• High engagement and ownership: hands-on senior leader who deeply understands quality management/ customer requirements, leads by example, and maintains a positive company image.
• High energy and sense of urgency: sets a quick pace, focuses on value-creating activities.
• Results-focused: consistently delivers on short-term and long-term plans, raises performance standards, and drives higher achievement.
• Action-oriented: creates a compelling vision, drives action plans, and is committed to continuous learning.
• Leadership style: down-to-earth, team-oriented, player/coach with strong communication skills, builds confidence, and ensures team expertise in quality.
• Culture: thrives in a winning, adaptable, and collaborative culture; provides specific feedback for performance and professional development.
• The ability to analyze complex quality data, identify trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Competence in interpreting technical drawings and data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and industry-specific software.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; interacting with all levels of employees, management personnel, and customer representatives.
• Practical knowledge and leadership experience in Lean and/or six-sigma including lean management system experience
• Experience managing teams and professional employees.

EDUCATION & LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferably in a technical discipline such as Engineering, Science, Quality Management, or a related field (MS preferred).
• Five (5) years’ experience in manufacturing quality function
• Experience in a highly regulated environment, preferably in defense or aerospace industry
• Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Six Sigma Black Belt are highly desirable.
• Continuous education and training in quality management, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)/EAR, which includes being a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Working conditions include both office and manufacturing environments.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distant vision, and color vision, as per NAS 4-10 standards (applicable only to personnel designated as DQR/DPRV for individual customers).
• Work involves long periods of sitting and using office equipment.
• Duties frequently require standing for extended periods, walking, handling objects, and reaching with hands and arms. Other frequent activities include pushing/pulling objects, bending, climbing, balancing, stooping, and twisting.
• Work may involve lifting materials and products up to 30 pounds.