Director, Quality

ARROWHEAD PRODUCTS CORPORATION•Los Alamitos, CA

12d•$185,000 - $195,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Quality is a hands-on, operationally focused member of Arrowhead Products’ leadership team and reports directly to the CEO & President. The role owns all Quality functions, including Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Engineering, Quality Systems/Compliance interface, and Supplier Quality, with a primary focus on factory-floor quality assurance, inspection, NCMR review and disposition, scrap reduction, supplier quality, and day-to-day production support. The Director also provides oversight of the Repairs & Overhauls (R&O) function, with the primary deliverable of completing and closing out the R&O business in an orderly, customer-safe manner. The Director leads daily Quality Department operations and directs the Test group to maintain stable, staffed, compliant operations during a transition. The role maintains working familiarity with AS9100 Rev D and related quality systems, supports audit readiness, and represents Arrowhead in quality-related matters with customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and the Arrowhead Products / IMC/IMCI Aerospace Group. The R&O close-out includes winding down remaining orders, honoring customer commitments, dispositioning related tooling and equipment, and transitioning any retained activity.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering discipline.
At least 10 years of quality experience in a low-to-medium-volume precision production manufacturing environment involving machining and assembly of precision components.
The majority of the quality experience must involve factory operations, including in-process, incoming, and final inspection, and supplier quality.
Director-level or senior management experience leading quality departments in a manufacturing plant environment.
Hands-on experience establishing and implementing Quality Assurance techniques and controls in welding, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), milling, turning, grinding, honing, broaching, and assembly of electro-mechanical devices.
Thorough working familiarity with GD&T principles for part tolerancing and inspection.
QMS-driven operating style, including AS9100, with a practical, execution-oriented approach.
Strong technical writing and communication skills, including presentations to technical and non-technical personnel.
Effective people management skills and ability to communicate with people at all levels of the company.
Active listening, analytical thinking, and a solid work ethic.
Working knowledge of Windows-based programs, MS Office Suite, and ERP/MRP systems.
Ability to meet the physical demands described: lift up to 35 lbs.; push and pull 35 lbs.; bend occasionally; and sit, stand, walk, talk, and listen frequently.
Periodic domestic and international travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or MBA.
CQE and/or CQM certification.
Composite and metallic fabrication experience.
Prior experience closing out, divesting, or winding down a business unit or product line.
Experience with BPCS, ERP/MRP II, Minitab, EnGage, or related systems.
Membership in professional organizations such as ASQ or SME.

Responsibilities

Direct and stabilize the daily activities of the Quality Department, including Quality Engineers and Manager, Supervisors, Inspectors, Technicians, and the QMS Coordinator.
Drive zero-defect-based quality planning and inspection methods to reduce customer complaints, incoming material rejections, and process scrap.
Own the NCMR/MRB process, including review, disposition support, and rework-method decisions in coordination with Engineering and Operations.
Ensure customer quality expectations are communicated from specifications through to shop-floor technicians.
Lead formal reporting, tracking, root cause analysis, and responses to customer and subcontractor complaints; drive corrective actions and countermeasures.
Maintain working familiarity with AS9100 Rev D and related quality management systems, and provide practical guidance on implementation and conformance.
Support audit readiness and interface with the Quality Compliance function on audits and AS9100 matters during the transition.
Maintain accurate systems for controlling Company- and Customer-furnished gauges, measurement fixturing, and measurement devices.
Maintain systems for selecting, approving, and rating subcontractors supplying production products.
Represent Arrowhead in quality-related matters with suppliers and within the Arrowhead Products / IMC/IMCI Aerospace Group.
Provide leadership and direction to the Test group to keep test operations stable, staffed, and compliant during the transition.
Manage oversight of the R&O function and drive its completion and full close-out, including remaining orders, customer commitments, tooling and equipment disposition, and transition of retained activity.
Manage and direct Quality Department activities directly and/or through subordinates, and directly manage the R&O function through its close-out period.
Perform other duties as assigned.