Director of Quality

Altek Inc•Liberty Lake, WA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Quality is responsible for leading, developing, and continuously improving the company-wide Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance with applicable aerospace, defense, medical, and customer-specific requirements. This role serves as the Management Representative for the QMS and is accountable for ensuring that all processes are established, implemented, maintained, and continuously improved. The Director of Quality reports on QMS performance to executive leadership, drives risk-based thinking, and promotes a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. This position formulates and implements quality strategies, policies, and objectives that enhance product integrity, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability, while ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to industry standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required
Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing quality
At least 5 years in a leadership role within aerospace, defense, medical, or other regulated industries
Strong working knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and/or ISO 13485
Deep understanding of precision machining, injection molding, assembly, and design for manufacturing (DFM)
Strong knowledge of GD&T, statistical process control (SPC), and advanced quality tools
Experience with First Article Inspection (AS9102), PPAP/APQP, and risk management tools (FMEA, Control Plans)
Familiarity with ITAR/EAR regulations and compliance requirements
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive cultural change toward quality ownership
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Experience with ERP, MES, and QMS software systems and data analysis tools
Strong project and program management capabilities
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred
ASQ certifications (CQE, CMQ/OE, CQA) preferred
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred
Lead Auditor certification (AS9100, ISO 9001, or ISO 13485) preferred

Responsibilities

Leads, directs, and manages the Quality department to ensure effective execution of all quality functions across the organization
Owns and maintains the Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 13485) and customer-specific requirements
Serves as the primary liaison with customers, regulatory agencies, and certification bodies regarding quality-related matters
Leads all internal, customer, and third-party audits; ensures timely closure of findings and effectiveness of corrective actions
Drives a culture of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across all departments
Establishes and monitors key quality performance indicators (KPIs) such as scrap, rework, cost of poor quality (COPQ), first-pass yield, and customer PPM
Leads root cause analysis and ensures effective implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.)
Oversees the nonconforming material process, including Material Review Board (MRB) activities and disposition decisions
Ensures compliance with product safety, traceability, and regulatory requirements, including ITAR/EAR where applicable
Leads risk management activities including PFMEA, Control Plans, and risk mitigation strategies across manufacturing processes
Coordinates and approves First Article Inspections in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., AS9102)
Oversees inspection and metrology functions, including calibration systems and advanced inspection technologies (e.g., CMM)
Ensures validation and control of special processes and critical manufacturing operations
Develops and manages supplier quality programs including supplier qualification, audits, scorecards, and corrective actions
Partners with Supply Chain and Operations to improve supplier performance and incoming quality
Supports new product introduction and program launches, ensuring all quality requirements are defined, communicated, and achieved
Leads contract review process to ensure quality and regulatory requirements are clearly understood and implemented
Drives continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies
Leverages ERP, MES, and QMS systems to monitor, analyze, and improve quality performance
Identifies, communicates, and drives implementation of capital investments and improvement projects related to quality and inspection capabilities
Provides leadership in employee development through coaching, training, performance management, and succession planning
Establishes departmental goals, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives and ensures accountability for results
Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to resolve quality issues and improve overall operational performance
Ensures compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards
Promotes a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across the organization
Participates in executive-level planning and contributes to strategic initiatives impacting the business
Creates an environment of mutual trust and respect with direct reports, peers, and cross-functional teams
Embraces Altek's Quality Policy to ensure quality to internal and external customers
Embraces Altek's vision, core values, and expected behaviors