Senior Quality Manager

SUMMARY

The Senior Quality Manager is responsible for leading and managing Quality Engineering resources in support of the design, development, manufacturing, and sustainment of complex defense products. This role documents, implements, improves, and manages the company-wide quality management system in accordance with AS9100 and reports directly to the Director of Quality, Defense. The Senior Quality Manager is appointed as the Management Representative for Systima and has unrestricted access to top management to resolve quality management issues. The Senior Quality Manager provides technical leadership, people management, and cross‑functional influence to drive product conformity, risk reduction, and continuous improvement.

This position reports to the Director of Quality, Defense, and manages Quality Engineers and assigned quality personnel supporting programs and operations.

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead, mentor, and manage Quality Engineers and assigned quality personnel.
• Develop, write, and edit quality manuals and procedures to ensure AS9100 compliance.
• Ensure customer quality requirements are understood and met across the company.
• Conduct regular supplier quality reviews and internal audits of the QMS.
• Oversee incoming inspection activities and processes.
• Manage and follow up on corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead the Materials Review Board and oversee all nonconformance reports.
• Plan, organize, and conduct management review meetings and employee QMS training.
• Prepare for and lead external audits, including customer on‑site audits.
• Perform vendor source inspections and serve as the company representative for the QMS.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• BA degree preferred in the management/quality field.
• 5 years of experience in aerospace/defense quality roles preferred.
• Prior experience with quality documentation required.
• Strong knowledge of company practices required.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, certain positions may require applicants to be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.