Director, Quality Assurance (Clearance Required) Verified today

About the Role

You will serve as the senior quality leader responsible for defining and executing the organization's quality vision, strategy, and culture. You are accountable for ensuring world-class product quality, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across all aspects of the business.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will drive enterprise-wide quality initiatives, influence strategic business decisions, and build scalable systems that support growth, profitability, and operational performance.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a long-term quality strategy aligned with corporate objectives, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements
• Serve as the organization's quality authority and trusted advisor to executive leadership
• Champion a culture where quality, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement are embedded throughout the organization
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to drive business performance through quality excellence
• Lead organizational change initiatives that improve product reliability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction
• Establish meaningful quality metrics and performance indicators that drive data-based decision making

Quality Systems and Compliance

• Provide executive oversight of the Quality Management System and ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, DoD, customer, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Lead customer, regulatory, certification, and third-party audits while maintaining exceptional compliance performance
• Ensure effective risk management processes are integrated throughout product development, manufacturing, and supplier management activities
• Drive proactive quality planning and prevention strategies that minimize defects and operational risk

Operational Excellence

• Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies
• Drive measurable improvements in first-pass yield, cost of quality, supplier performance, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency
• Establish robust root cause and corrective action processes that eliminate recurring issues and strengthen organizational capability
• Partner with operations leadership to improve manufacturing performance and scalability

Customer Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and regulatory stakeholders
• Serve as the point of contact for significant quality issues, customer concerns, and strategic quality initiatives
• Represent the company during customer reviews, audits, and executive-level quality discussions

Talent Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing quality organization capable of supporting current and future business needs
• Foster leadership development, accountability, and continuous learning throughout the quality function
• Create succession plans and organizational structures that support sustainable growth

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance
• Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects
• Deep knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory requirements (FDA, ISO, GxP), and industry standards with ability to ensure organizational compliance and product integrity
• Strong communication and influence skills to interact effectively with internal leadership, regulatory agencies, auditors, and stakeholders on quality assurance matters
• Experience leading quality assurance functions including product release, deviation/CAPA management, change control, validation, and audit management
• Demonstrated experience with risk management, quality investigations, and root cause analysis methodologies
• Travel: 20-40% as required to support customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and multiple operating locations

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field
• ASQ CMQ/OE, CQE, Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent certifications
• Experience supporting OEM, defense, military, or space programs
• Experience leading multi-site quality organizations
• Proven ability to influence senior leadership and drive cultural transformation
• Experience presenting to executive teams, customers, and regulatory authorities
• Track record building high-performing, cross-functional quality organizations
• Strong business acumen with P&L impact awareness and cost of quality management

Compensation

Pay Range: $201,507.00-$277,072.50

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

Clearance Requirement

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Benefits

Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, and 3 weeks paid time off.