Director of Quality

Fairbanks Morse Defense•Cincinnati, OH

23d

About The Position

The Director of Quality develops, implements, and maintains the company’s quality assurance and quality control programs to ensure compliance with internal and external standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines. The role provides leadership and strategic planning, and collaborates across departments to promote continuous improvement. The Director oversees the quality management system, process-improvement initiatives, compliance and audits, customer feedback and issue resolution, quality teams, data analysis and reporting, and supplier quality management. The position is primarily office-based, with occasional travel to manufacturing sites, supplier locations, and customer facilities. It requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information designated Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN). Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and attest that they do not have dual citizenship. The job description is not exhaustive, and all positions require the ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation, commitment to effective customer service, and productive teamwork.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in quality assurance or quality control, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or a related industry.
Strong knowledge of quality systems, standards, and methodologies, such as ISO 9001, Lean, and Six Sigma.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Leadership and communication abilities.
Proficiency in quality management software and tools.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements specific to the company’s industry.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Proof of U.S. citizenship and an attestation of no dual citizenship, due to NOFORN information access requirements.
Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation, commitment to effective customer service, and ability to work productively as a team member.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Manager (CQM), or Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
Experience with risk management and failure analysis methodologies such as FMEA.
Knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as automation and IoT in quality processes.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the company’s quality vision, strategy, and goals, aligning quality objectives with overall business goals in collaboration with senior leadership.
Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of a robust quality management system (QMS), ensuring compliance with applicable standards and certifications.
Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing, production, and operational processes, using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce defects.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards; manage internal and external audits, including supplier, certification, and customer audits.
Establish systems to monitor and respond to customer feedback, and ensure timely resolution of quality issues and customer complaints.
Build, mentor, and manage quality assurance and quality control teams, fostering accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Analyze quality metrics and performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities, and present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
Develop and maintain supplier quality standards, and work with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve supply chain performance.