Director of Quality

ProSearch is partnering with fellow Maine ESOP, Kennebec Technologies, to recruit a Director of Quality for its fully on-site manufacturing operation in Augusta, Maine. Reporting directly to the CEO, this senior leadership role is responsible for driving quality strategy, ensuring compliance, and supporting long-term success in a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on quality leader with strong people management experience and deep knowledge of AS9100 or comparable aerospace, automotive, or medical device standards. This role offers high visibility, meaningful influence, and long-term stability for qualified candidates.

Kennebec Technologies is a privately held precision manufacturing company based in Augusta, Maine, with more than 40 years of experience producing complex, tight-tolerance machined components and sub-assemblies for industries such as defense, aerospace, semiconductor, naval, and commercial manufacturing. The company operates a 24,000 square-foot climate-controlled facility, using advanced multi-axis CNC milling, turning, grinding, and mill-turn technology. Kennebec Technologies is AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified, ITAR registered, and committed to lean manufacturing, quality, and on-time delivery. Employees work in a stable, team-oriented environment that values craftsmanship, technical expertise, safety, and long-term career growth.

Why This Director of Quality Role Matters

This position is mission-critical to ensuring Kennebec Technologies consistently delivers conforming products and services while meeting strict customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements. Quality is not a support function here. It is central to how the business operates, grows, and earns customer trust.

In this role, you will lead quality strategy, manage a capable and experienced team, and personally guide the organization through demanding external audits. These include a major annual AS9100 audit, NADCAP audits, and frequent customer audits. Your leadership as Director of Quality has a direct impact on operational continuity, customer confidence, and long-term business success.

Work Environment and Values

Kennebec Technologies is known for its people-first culture and long-term approach. The organization values teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect for different perspectives. Leaders are encouraged to speak up, support their teams, and balance high standards with an approachable, professional environment.

Responsibilities

• This role is a strong fit for a hands-on quality leader who brings: Proven management experience leading quality teams
• Manufacturing experience in a highly regulated industry, including aerospace, medical device, or automotive
• Direct, hands-on quality management experience beyond high-level oversight
• Exceptional communication skills with customers, auditors, and cross-functional teams

As Director of Quality, you will have ownership and accountability across the full quality function.

Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnership

• Promote company core values, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement

Quality System Leadership

• Champion, maintain, and continuously improve the Quality Management System
• Partner closely with operations, engineering, supply chain, and executive leadership to proactively manage risk

Audit and Customer Interface

• Lead semi-annual AS Management Reviews, including documentation and action follow-up
• Manage internal audit activities to support ongoing AS9100 certification
• Own quality planning for product development, inspection, and release
• Track, trend, and analyze key quality and inspection metrics to drive decision-making
• Lead strategic initiatives that improve efficiency, productivity, and quality outcomes
• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and statutory requirements
• Own customer-initiated nonconformance investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Serve as the primary quality contact for key customers and external auditors

The Director of Quality’s Team

• 3 direct reports
• 1 Quality Planner
• 1 Quality Engineer/Programmer
• 1 Quality Supervisor
• The Quality Supervisor manages a team of 7 inspectors across first and second shift
• The team includes a mix of tenured employees and newer talent and is positioned well for strong leadership and development

Requirements/Qualifications

Quality Leadership and Management

• Demonstrated leadership in manufacturing quality, with at least five years of experience
• Proven ability to lead and develop quality teams while maintaining high standards and accountability
• Hands-on experience owning and operating within a Quality Management System, not limited to oversight

Regulated Manufacturing Expertise

• Comfort operating in audit-driven environments and engaging directly with customers and external auditors
• Experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment, with deep familiarity in at least one of the following:
• AS9100 / AS9100D (Aerospace), strongly preferred
• Similar transferable experience such as IATF 16949 (Automotive) or ISO 13485 (Medical Devices) is preferred

Professional Skills and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence to represent the organization externally
• Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment in high-accountability situations

Ready to Lead Quality Where It Truly Matters?

If you are an experienced quality leader who thrives in regulated manufacturing, values being closely connected to operations, and wants a visible leadership role with direct influence on business performance, this opportunity merits consideration. This fully on-site role in Augusta, Maine offers the chance to lead quality where it truly matters, with strong executive partnership and a team positioned for success. Apply through ProSearch Staffing to learn more about this Director of Quality role at Kennebec Technologies.