Director of Quality

Director of Quality

Shift: Day

Dept.: Administration

Type: Salary

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer Class: Indirect

The duties are not limited to this list. Any additional requirements, changes, or deletions will be at the discretion of the COO. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility and duty satisfactorily.

Summary : The Director of Quality is responsible for leading, developing, and continuously improving the company-wide Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, medical, and customer-specific requirements. This role serves as the Management Representative for the QMS and is accountable for ensuring that all processes are established, implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.

The Director of Quality reports on QMS performance to executive leadership, drives risk-based thinking, and promotes a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. This position formulates and implements quality strategies, policies, and objectives that enhance product integrity, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability, while ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to industry standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leads, directs, and manages the Quality department to ensure effective execution of all quality functions across the organization

Owns and maintains the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 13485) and customer-specific requirements

Serves as the primary liaison with customers, regulatory agencies, and certification bodies regarding quality-related matters

Leads all internal, customer, and third-party audits; ensures timely closure of findings and effectiveness of corrective actions

Drives a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across all departments

Establishes and monitors key quality performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap, rework, cost of poor quality (COPQ), first-pass yield, and customer PPM

Leads root cause analysis and ensures effective implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)

Oversees the nonconforming material process, including Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition decisions

Ensures compliance with product safety, traceability, and regulatory requirements, including ITAR/EAR where applicable

Leads risk management activities including PFMEA, Control Plans, and risk mitigation strategies across manufacturing processes

Coordinates and approves First Article Inspections in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9102)

Oversees inspection and metrology functions, including calibration systems and advanced inspection technologies (e.g., CMM)

Ensures validation and control of special processes and critical manufacturing operations

Develops and manages supplier quality programs including supplier qualification, audits, scorecards, and corrective actions

Partners with Supply Chain and Operations to improve supplier performance and incoming quality

Supports new product introduction and program launches, ensuring all quality requirements are defined, communicated, and achieved

Leads contract review process to ensure quality and regulatory requirements are clearly understood and implemented

Drives continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies

Leverages ERP, MES, and QMS systems to monitor, analyze, and improve quality performance

Identifies, communicates, and drives implementation of capital investments and improvement projects related to quality and inspection capabilities

Provides leadership in employee development through coaching, training, performance management, and succession planning

Establishes departmental goals, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives and ensures accountability for results

Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to resolve quality issues and improve overall operational performance

Ensures compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards

Promotes a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across the organization

Participates in executive-level planning and contributes to strategic initiatives impacting the business

Creates an environment of mutual trust and respect with direct reports, peers, and cross-functional teams

Embraces Altek's Quality Policy to ensure quality to internal and external customers

Embraces Altek's vision, core values, and expected behaviors

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required; advanced degree preferred

Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing quality, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within aerospace, defense, medical, or other regulated industries

Strong working knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and/or ISO 13485

ASQ certifications (CQE, CMQ/OE, CQA) preferred

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred

Lead Auditor certification (AS9100, ISO 9001, or ISO 13485) preferred

Deep understanding of precision machining, injection molding, assembly, and design for manufacturing (DFM)

Strong knowledge of GD&T, statistical process control (SPC), and advanced quality tools

Experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102), PPAP/APQP, and risk management tools (FMEA, Control Plans)

Familiarity with ITAR/EAR regulations and compliance requirements

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive cultural change toward quality ownership

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Experience with ERP, MES, and QMS software systems and data analysis tools

Strong project and program management capabilities

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment

Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills