Director of Quality

Our client, a renowned global leader specializing in the design, manufacture, and support of cutting-edge electronic systems for the United States government, seeks proficient candidates for the role of Quality Manager based in Annapolis Junction, MD.

Summary:

The Quality Manager will exemplify proven leadership skills coupled with exceptional problem-solving abilities and communication acumen to oversee the quality of company products and documentation. This pivotal role entails spearheading the quality management system and serving as the primary liaison for customer quality inquiries. The incumbent will utilize exemplary communication and problem-solving skills to communicate inspection outcomes with relevant stakeholders and ensure compliance with specifications through meticulous inspection, testing, and sampling of parts or assembled products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategically forecast requirements and devise Quality Systems, Processes, and QMS enhancements based on established Quality Models such as ISO 9001 and AS9100, alongside pertinent philosophies and methodologies.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the organization's Quality Management System.
• Effectively influence behavior and decision-making to foster a Culture of Quality across the organization.
• Utilize business tools proficiently and hold accountable those responsible for their usage.
• Offer quality-driven insights to guide the evolution of business processes.
• Manage resource allocation and deployment concerning Quality resources.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of systems, programs, and training initiatives, implementing necessary changes for improvement.
• Identify the need for quality improvement projects and align them with the overarching business strategy.
• Design comprehensive audit plans and develop improvement strategies based on prevalent nonconformance themes.
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance products, suppliers, or systems, aiming to minimize or eliminate nonconforming material.
• Proactively seek out and incorporate new tools to inform organizational decisions effectively.
• Collaborate strategically with Procurement and Engineering departments to identify and onboard new suppliers in anticipation of future needs.
• Oversee all quality functions, ensuring strict adherence to established company quality policies, practices, standard operating procedures, customer requirements, and federal regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement of the Quality Management System, encompassing effective management reviews, complaint handling, nonconformance and corrective action systems, change control, internal auditing, and manufacturing area support.
• Conduct thorough Quality Audits and interpret collected data, implementing robust data tracking, trending, and analysis methodologies.
• Prepare detailed quality documentation, including procedures and reports, by meticulously analyzing and summarizing information and trends such as failed processes, stability studies, recalls, and corrective actions.
• Lead Root Cause investigations and analyses and draft comprehensive Corrective Action responses.
• Oversee and verify the execution of required corrective actions, including those involving suppliers.
• Collaborate closely with the procurement department and suppliers to resolve quality issues as they arise.
• Lead supplier assessments, qualifications, audits, and performance monitoring initiatives.
• Chair the Material Review Board to expedite the timely disposition of nonconforming materials.
• Act as the process owner for all First Article Inspections, ensuring compliance with AS9102 Standards.
• Partner with Operations leadership to ensure adherence to Environmental Health and Safety requirements and drive hazard assessments to completion.
• Conduct training sessions on Quality, ISO 9001, AS9100, IPC standards, among others.
• Deliver difficult messages effectively when necessary and identify opportunities for developing and deploying quality training programs.
• Utilize knowledge management to anticipate and mitigate organizational and QMS risks related to quality.
• Execute inspection plans using defined methods across various stages, including Receiving, In-Process, Final, and Shipping inspections.
• Interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and product/performance specifications as part of QA Processes.
• Document instances of nonconforming material and facilitate the transfer of products to the Material Review Board as needed.
• Analyze and resolve process issues and maintain familiarity with industry standards such as IPC 7711/7721, J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC-A-620.
• Conduct ESD/FOD inspections and measurements as per predetermined frequencies and qualify ESD performance of workstations, flooring, and smocks, addressing any identified deficiencies promptly.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five to seven years of experience in the Quality Assurance Field, with recent experience of at least four years in a Supervisor/Managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Electro-Mechanical manufacturing and assembly lines.
• Exceptional communication skills and proficiency in technical writing.
• Proven track record of leading ISO 9001 and AS9100 Quality Management System processes and procedures, including initial certification.
• Certification in IPC-A-620, IPC 7711/7721, J-STD-001, and/or IPC-A-610 is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Project Management and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with CNC and SMT processes is desirable.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, with an estimated requirement of 10% to 20%.