ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, QUALITY – US & CANADA

MISTRAS Group•Bell, CA

12h•Remote

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Quality serves as a regional senior quality leader within MISTRAS’ Aerospace & Defense Division. This role supports the strategic direction, governance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) across relevant sites and service lines, with emphasis on NDT, special method processes (including but not limited to chemical, etch, etc.), In-Lab Operations, and related inspection and testing activities. The Assistant Director, Quality ensures compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP, NAS 410, ASTM standards, customer/OEM specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements. The role provides leadership for quality teams, drives audit readiness and corrective action effectiveness, partners with Operations and customers, and helps maintain process integrity and product/service quality for critical aerospace components and programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Materials Science, NDT, or a related technical field required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 8–12 years of progressive quality experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing/inspection environments, including significant hands-on or leadership experience with AS9100 and related systems.
At least 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience managing quality managers, quality engineers, or multi-functional quality activities.
Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP requirements (NDT and/or chemical processing), NAS 410, ASTM standards relevant to NDT/special processes, and typical aerospace OEM/customer specifications.
Demonstrated experience leading or supporting audits (internal, customer, third-party/NADCAP) and driving effective corrective actions.
Experience with quality tools and methodologies such as root-cause analysis (RCCA/8D), CAPA, nonconformance management, process control, and continuous improvement.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, technical documents, and quality requirements.
Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills; ability to work effectively with technicians, engineers, operations, customers, and auditors.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience maintaining quality system , certifications and special process documentation and related records.
U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required due to aerospace/defense contractual obligations; ability to obtain any necessary clearances or ITAR compliance.
Willingness to travel as needed and support flexible schedules for audits, production, or customer requirements.
Ability to work in laboratory/shop environments with appropriate PPE as required.
Pass pre-employment background check, alcohol/drug screen, and any required medical evaluations.
Maintain relevant certifications and continue professional development as required.
Demonstrate the highest commitment to safety, quality culture, and ethical conduct in all activities.

Nice To Haves

ASQ certifications (e.g., CQE, CMQ/OE, CQA) or equivalent; AS9100 Lead Auditor certification.
Prior experience as a site or regional quality leader, Responsible Level III support role, or in personnel certification/auditing.
Direct experience supporting aerospace primes, MRO, casting/forging suppliers, or engine/structural components; familiarity with NDT methods (PT/FPI, MT, UT, etc.) and special processes (etch, chemical processing).
Experience with NADCAP-accredited processes, supplier quality management, APQP/PPAP or equivalent, statistical process control, and Lean/Six Sigma tools.
Prior experience with multi-site quality systems, standardization, or corporate quality governance.
Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, CMMC, or other relevant compliance frameworks.
Supervisory or training experience in an NDT, laboratory, or special-process environment.
Prior experience with MISTRAS systems, written practices, or aerospace service operations.

Responsibilities

Support development, deployment, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System and quality strategy aligned with business objectives, customer requirements, and aerospace/defense standards.
Serve as a key quality authority for assigned sites or service lines; interpret codes, standards, specifications, and customer requirements and provide technical guidance on quality issues.
Lead or support internal, customer, NADCAP, AS9100, and regulatory audits; drive timely and effective root-cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, and systemic improvements.
Oversee or guide quality functions including quality assurance, quality control, process controls, nonconformance management, supplier quality (as applicable), documentation control, and certification/qualification records.
Partner with Operations, NDT Level III personnel, laboratory/process teams, and other stakeholders to ensure process integrity, technique and procedure compliance, and consistent application of acceptance criteria.
Develop, review, and approve quality procedures, work instructions, and process controls; support standardization and multi-site alignment where applicable.
Lead, mentor, and develop quality personnel and support training/certification processes in coordination with Responsible Level III and company written practices.
Monitor quality metrics and KPIs (e.g., audit results, CAPA effectiveness, nonconformance trends, customer feedback); analyze data and drive continuous improvement in quality, throughput, safety, and compliance.
Interface with customers, primes, auditors, and internal stakeholders on quality performance, escalations, and improvement initiatives.
Support risk identification and mitigation related to quality and compliance; promote a culture of accountability, attention to detail, and zero-defect mindset.
Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and hazardous materials requirements applicable to quality and laboratory/shop environments.
Maintain accurate quality records, certification documentation, and process qualification data.
Contribute to proposal support, contract review, and quality planning for new or expanded aerospace/defense work as needed.