Director of Quality

Job Summary: The Director of Quality is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP and other relevant defense standards. This role is critical in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of aerospace products and systems, from design and development through manufacturing, testing, and post-delivery support. The Director of Quality is a key member of the site leadership team and reports directly to the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Quality Leadership & Compliance
• Develop, implement, maintain, and continuously improve the QMS in strict adherence to AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001, and applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAA, EASA, DoD)
• Lead internal and external audits (customer, regulatory, certification registrars) to ensure compliance and certification maintenance
• Drive quality strategy to align with business objectives and customer requirements
• Quality System Oversight
• Ensure all products and processes meet specifications, customer requirements, and legal/regulatory standards
• Manage the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) and Audit Program to ensure ongoing compliance to manufacturing and quality requirements
  
  
  

Manage risk management and mitigation related to product quality

• Team Leadership & Development
• Recruit, mentor, coach, and lead a high-performing team of quality engineers, inspectors, auditors, and technicians
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations to integrate quality into product development and production
• Serve as the primary liaison with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies on quality matters
• Metallurgy Oversight
• Provide leadership and direction for the Metallurgy Department, including oversight of the metallurgical laboratory and its staff
• Ensure all material testing, evaluations, and reporting meet required defense standards
• Maintain compliance with material specifications and support quality processes related to materials and manufacturing
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to address material‑related issues, support investigations, and ensure product reliability
• Support continuous improvement of lab processes, equipment, and capabilities to meet organizational and customer needs
• Operational & Process Excellence
• Oversee quality control systems, inspection methods, and process-based quality management
• Review and communicate customer quality requirements internally
• Manage document control for quality policies, procedures, and work instructions
• Customer & Market Impact
• Participate in customer quality investigations and resolve preventable actions
• Ensure customer satisfaction and maintain strong supplier relationships
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years of Defense manufacturing quality experience, with proven leadership in AS9100/ISO 9001 environments.
• Strong regulatory knowledge (FAA, EASA, DoD) and experience with manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Preferred: experience with forging, machining and metal forming operations
  
  
  

Other Requirements:

Travel:

Work Environment: Office work environment.

Background Investigation / Drug Screen / US Person: Required.

Paligen Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value the unique skills and capabilities that our team members bring to our mission. We make all hiring and employment decisions based solely on individual qualifications, merit, and business needs. We strictly prohibit discrimination, ensuring a fair and objective selection process for all applicants