Director, Quality Assurance (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

8d•$201,507 - $277,073

About The Position

The Director of Quality Assurance serves as the senior quality leader responsible for defining and executing the organization’s quality vision, strategy, and culture. This role is accountable for ensuring world-class product quality, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across all business aspects. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Quality Assurance will drive enterprise-wide quality initiatives, influence strategic business decisions, and build scalable systems that support growth, profitability, and operational performance. The successful candidate will be a transformational leader with deep aerospace industry expertise, exceptional business acumen, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams through complex challenges.

Requirements

Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
Proven track record of successfully managing large teams and complex projects.
Deep knowledge of quality management systems, regulatory requirements (FDA, ISO, GxP), and industry standards with ability to ensure organizational compliance and product integrity.
Strong communication and influence skills to interact effectively with internal leadership, regulatory agencies, auditors, and stakeholders on quality assurance matters.
Experience leading quality assurance functions including product release, deviation/CAPA management, change control, validation, and audit management.
Demonstrated experience with risk management, quality investigations, and root cause analysis methodologies.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
ASQ CMQ/OE, CQE, Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent certifications.
Experience supporting OEM, defense, military, or space programs.
Experience leading multi-site quality organizations.
Proven ability to influence senior leadership and drive cultural transformation
Experience presenting to executive teams, customers, and regulatory authorities
Track record building high-performing, cross-functional quality organizations
Strong business acumen with P&L impact awareness and cost of quality management

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a long-term quality strategy aligned with corporate objectives, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements.
Serve as the organization’s quality authority and trusted advisor to executive leadership.
Champion a culture where quality, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement are embedded throughout the organization.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Executive Leadership to drive business performance through quality excellence.
Lead organizational change initiatives that improve product reliability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Establish meaningful quality metrics and performance indicators that drive data-based decision making at all levels of the organization.
Provide executive oversight of the Quality Management System and ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, DoD, customer, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Lead customer, regulatory, certification, and third-party audits while maintaining exceptional compliance performance.
Ensure effective risk management processes are integrated throughout product development, manufacturing, and supplier management activities.
Drive proactive quality planning and prevention strategies that minimize defects and operational risk.
Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
Drive measurable improvements in first-pass yield, cost of quality, supplier performance, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Establish robust root cause and corrective action processes that eliminate recurring issues and strengthen organizational capability.
Partner with operations leadership to improve manufacturing performance and scalability.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and regulatory stakeholders.
Serve as the point of contact for significant quality issues, customer concerns, and strategic quality initiatives.
Represent the company during customer reviews, audits, and executive-level quality discussions.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing quality organization capable of supporting current and future business needs.
Foster leadership development, accountability, and continuous learning throughout the quality function.
Create succession plans and organizational structures that support sustainable growth.