Director, Supplier Quality Assurance

Director, Supplier Quality Assurance L3Harris Technologies is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do. L3Harris Technologies is the trusted disruptor in the defense industry. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security. Job Location: Huntsville, AL or Camden, AR Job Schedule: 9/80, employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off - OR- 4/10, employees work 10 hour shifts 4 days a week Job Description L3Harris Technologies' Missile Solutions segment is a world-recognized leader in propulsion systems for space, missile defense, strategic missiles, and tactical systems. We are seeking an experienced Director, Supplier Quality Assurance to lead our supplier quality assurance efforts at our Huntsville, Alabama or Camden, Arkansas facility. This role is critical to ensuring the highest standards of quality, reliability, and mission success in our aerospace and defense programs. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Quality and Mission Assurance, you will be responsible for developing and executing supplier quality strategies, managing a team of supplier quality professionals, and driving continuous improvement across our supply chain. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in aerospace/defense supplier management, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to excellence in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. Essential Functions Lead the Supplier Quality organization, including recruitment, development, and performance management of a team of Supplier Quality Engineers and specialists. Develop and implement comprehensive supplier quality strategies, policies, and processes to ensure compliance with AS9100, customer requirements, and company standards. Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations and other functions to enable the success of the supply chain and achieve or exceed the annual operating plan. Oversee supplier qualification, auditing, performance monitoring, and risk management activities to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure on-time delivery of conforming products. Drive corrective and preventive actions for supplier non-conformances, including root cause analysis, SCAR (Supplier Corrective Action Requests), and recurrence prevention. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Program Management, and Operations teams to integrate quality requirements into supplier selection, contracts, and program execution. Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier quality, including on-time delivery, defect rates, and cost of poor quality. Lead supplier development initiatives, including process improvements, lean methodologies, and capability assessments. Interface with external suppliers and customer quality representatives to resolve issues and assure effective quality control. Ensure compliance with government regulations (e.g., FAR/DFARS, ITAR) and support internal/external audits. Contribute to the overall Quality and Mission Assurance objectives, including continuous improvement programs and mission success initiatives. Up to 25% business travel to other L3Harris or Supplier sites. Ability to obtain US Secret Security Clearance. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree and minimum 15 years of prior Quality experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 13 years of prior related quality experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 19 years of prior related quality experience. 5+ years experience in Aerospace and Defense executing Department of War (DOW) contracts. 5+ years of experience directly managing people in a Quality Engineering or Quality Organization. 5+ years of experience managing site certification with AS9100, ISO 9001. 2+ years in supplier quality management experience. Preferred Additional Skills Master's degree in a related field. Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Six Sigma Black Belt, or Lead Auditor. In-depth knowledge of quality management systems (AS9100, ISO 9001), GD&T, statistical process control (SPC), and root cause analysis tools (e.g., 8D, Fishbone). Experience with supplier audits, performance rating systems, and corrective action processes. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to interface with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional teams. Experience in rocket propulsion, missile systems, or high-reliability manufacturing environments. Experience training, coaching and mentoring. Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.