Director, Global Quality Management & Improvement at AeroVironment

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred)
Minimum 12 years of experience in quality, mission assurance, or regulatory compliance within the defense, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing environment
Minimum 5 years experience in a people leadership role
Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to lead without direct authority
Expertise in AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, CMMI, and defense quality standards
Strong background in QMS implementation and risk mitigation strategies
Proven leadership experience managing auditing, compliance teams and cross-functional initiatives
Experience with government contracts, DoD requirements, and working with regulatory agencies
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
Lean-Six-Sigma and other Continuous Improvement skills
Proficiency with quality tools/software (e.g., Minitab, SPC/QMS platforms, PLM, ERP systems)
Preferred Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASQ Certified Quality Manager (CQM); Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt; Project Management Professional (PMP); Certified Lead Auditor for AS9100/ISO 9001
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasively
Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision
Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with it

Responsibilities

Leads Quality Management System (QMS) implementation, communication, monitoring, ensuring compliance to ISO, AS9100, customer, and regulatory requirements
Define and deploy QMS applicability, awareness, responsibilities, and training strategy
Communicates, trains, and coordinates improvement of QMS policies, processes, and procedures
Oversees, deploys, and monitors QMS internal audit program and external certification audits
Develops, maintains, and coordinates QMS key process KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks with identified QMS process owners. Including assignment and tracking of actions where results are not met
Leads strategic Continuous Improvement initiatives. Benchmark and drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and industry best practices. Including LSS training and centralized CI project management
Provides governance and oversight to ensure programs execute within the QMS framework
Support leadership with enterprise and segment risk management and lessons-learned capture regarding the QMS
Leads RCCA of trend-level issues across the QMS
Other duties as assigned

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Quality Management SystemQMSISOAS9100LeanSix SigmaContinuous ImprovementLSSRoot Cause AnalysisRCCAInternal AuditsKPIsRisk ManagementTraining

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this role?

A minimum of 12 years of experience in quality, mission assurance, or regulatory compliance in defense, aerospace, or high-reliability manufacturing is required, along with at least 5 years in a people leadership role.

What key skills and expertise are needed for this position?

Expertise in AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, CMMI, and defense quality standards is required, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, project management skills, Lean-Six-Sigma proficiency, and experience with quality tools like Minitab, SPC/QMS platforms, PLM, and ERP systems.

What education is required for the Director role?

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical field is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. Preferred certifications include ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASQ Certified.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this role remote or does it require on-site work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

AeroVironment

Develops autonomous robotic systems for defense

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment develops and sells autonomous robotic systems that can perform various missions without human intervention. These systems are designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risks to personnel, and provide valuable data to users. The company primarily serves government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial clients, focusing on the defense and aerospace sectors. AeroVironment stands out from its competitors by emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in its business practices, which not only helps the environment but also builds loyalty among employees and customers. The company's goal is to lead the market in intelligent robotic systems while promoting sustainable practices and creating new business opportunities.

Monrovia, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1971Year Founded

$20.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health, Dental, & Vision

Health Savings Account

401(k) Account

Alternative Work Schedule

Educational and Tuition Assistance Programs

Employee Assistance Program

Sick Leave Donation

Time Off

Travel Assistance

Company Sponsored Events

Risks

Competition from European drone companies like Parrot may impact market share.

US-China trade tensions could disrupt AeroVironment's supply chain.

BlueHalo acquisition poses integration risks and management distraction.

Differentiation

AeroVironment specializes in unmanned aircraft systems for defense and commercial markets.

The company focuses on sustainability and innovation in autonomous robotic systems.

AeroVironment's acquisition of BlueHalo enhances its defense technology capabilities.

Upsides

Increased demand for Western-made drones boosts AeroVironment's market share.

BlueHalo acquisition enhances AeroVironment's competitive edge in defense technology.

Customizable AI UAVs attract new military contracts with enhanced adaptability.

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