Quality Assurance/Quality Manager

The Quality Assurance / Quality Management (QA/QM) Lead is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and industry standards for defense and government programs. This position ensures that hardware, software, and services meet quality, reliability, and mission assurance requirements, and serves as the primary point of contact for Government representatives on quality-related matters.  Impact of Position: The QA/QM Lead ensures that all products and services delivered under government contracts meet or exceed quality requirements, reducing program risk and ensuring mission success. This position directly impacts contractual compliance, customer satisfaction, cost control, and the company’s reputation for reliability and excellence in defense and government programs.  Key Duties and Responsibilities  Quality Management System (QMS) Oversight  Establish, maintain, and improve the company’s QMS in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, CMMI, or equivalent).  Develop and maintain documented policies, objectives, manuals, procedures, and records necessary for effective quality management.  Ensure quality requirements are incorporated into subcontractor and supplier contracts and verify compliance through audits, inspections, and reviews.  Manage internal and external audits and coordinate corrective/preventive actions.  Government and Customer Interface  Act as the primary liaison with Government Quality Assurance Representatives (QARs), Contracting Officers, and auditors.  Ensure compliance with Government quality surveillance plans, inspection requirements, and contract deliverables.  Provide QMS documentation and evidence of compliance upon request.  Counterfeit Parts Prevention and Detection  Establish and enforce counterfeit part avoidance policies and procedures.  Ensure subcontractors and suppliers adhere to counterfeit mitigation practices and reporting requirements.  Maintain participation in Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) and ensure alerts, safe-alerts, and corrective actions are properly addressed.  Failure Reporting and Corrective Action (FRACAS or Equivalent)  Manage the company’s failure analysis and corrective action system.  Perform root cause analyses and implement corrective/preventive measures for hardware, software, or system issues affecting performance, reliability, or safety.  Maintain accurate failure and corrective action records, and provide access to Government representatives when required.  Supplier Quality Assurance  Evaluate and qualify suppliers and subcontractors for compliance with contractual quality requirements.  Conduct supplier audits, reviews, and source inspections as needed.  Monitor supplier performance and ensure nonconformances are addressed and resolved.  Continuous Improvement and Risk Management  Analyze quality performance metrics and implement initiatives for process improvement.  Identify and mitigate risks to product quality, reliability, and contract compliance.  Support company-wide quality training, awareness, and process improvement activities.  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):   In-depth knowledge of quality assurance and quality management principles, standards, and practices.  Familiarity with defense and government contract quality requirements, including inspection, surveillance, and reporting.  Working knowledge of counterfeit parts prevention standards (e.g., SAE AS5553, AS6174) and government-industry reporting programs.  Experience with root cause analysis, corrective action systems, and reliability/mission assurance practices.  Strong skills in supplier quality management, audit execution, and compliance monitoring.  Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with internal teams, subcontractors, and government representatives.  Proficiency in developing and maintaining quality documentation and records in both hardware and software environments.  Education and Experience Requirements:  Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).  Current TS/SCI clearance desired, Secret clearance required.  7+ years of experience in quality assurance, quality management, or mission assurance within defense, aerospace, or government contracting environments.  Experience managing and maintaining a QMS compliant with ISO 9001, AS9100, CMMI, or equivalent standards.  Prior experience supporting Government audits, quality surveillance activities, or DCMA reviews preferred.  Certification in quality management (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Auditor) desirable.  Powered by JazzHR