Director of Quality

Allen Control Systems•Pflugerville, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup focused on developing an autonomous gun turret utilizing advanced computer vision and control systems. Founded by experienced engineers with a strong background in robotics and software, ACS fosters an engineering-first culture that values technical excellence and innovation. The company is backed by founders with a history of successful ventures and is committed to making a real-world impact with its groundbreaking technologies. This role is crucial for building and leading the quality function from the ground up, including the path towards ISO 9001 certification. The position emphasizes a philosophy of 'quality at the source,' focusing on practical problem-solving and building strong partnerships with the supply chain to ensure quality is built into the product from the start.

Requirements

8+ years in quality leadership, ideally in manufacturing, hardware, or defense/aerospace.
Experience building or scaling a QMS.
A track record of practical, tool-light RCCA (5 Whys, direct observation) over heavyweight, paperwork-driven processes.
Experience partnering closely with Supply Chain and supplier quality engineers.
Comfort operating at both strategic altitude and on the floor — this is a hands-on role.
Strong communication skills and the ability to influence engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

ISO 9001 experience strongly preferred (you'll help drive us there).

Responsibilities

Own the long-range quality strategy, translating business goals into a multi-year plan for systems, staffing, and capability.
Architect the Quality Management System (QMS), including the path toward ISO 9001, building clear and simple processes.
Own the audit calendar as the QMS matures, using findings as strategic input.
Set and report quality KPIs (defect rates, first-pass yield, complaints, supplier performance).
Evaluate and streamline requirements, gates, and approvals, removing those without clear ownership or purpose.
Regularly engage on the production floor, at supplier facilities, and with customers to gather ground truth.
Lead or coach Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) using practical, lightweight tools like 5 Whys and direct observation.
Address issues with urgency, prioritizing immediate fixes.
Build a close partnership with Supply Chain and supplier quality engineers, treating supplier quality as a shared mission.
Drive supplier qualification, scorecards, and joint problem-solving to resolve issues at the source.
Serve as the primary quality point of contact for DCMA surveillance, audits, and findings.
Partner closely with Engineering and Manufacturing to connect field/production issues with design decisions and align quality and throughput goals.
Own key external customer relationships on quality matters, building credibility through transparency and follow-through.
Manage, mentor, and develop the quality team with a bias toward action and practical problem-solving.
Maintain a lean QMS where every process supports a real decision.
Own customer complaints and non-conformances through to true root cause and permanent corrective action.