Senior Manager, Quality Assurance Engineering

Arete Associates

4h•$160,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Areté, we are on the forefront of utilizing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. Discover your future with us. The Senior Manager, Quality Assurance Engineering is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality management systems across both defense and commercial operations. This role ensures all products and processes meet regulatory, customer, and internal requirements, including compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) standards, ISO 9001, AS9100, and other applicable industry certifications. This position provides strategic quality leadership in support of mission- critical defense programs while also driving quality excellence across commercial product lines. This position is based in our Tucson, AZ or Niwot, CO office and is a supervisory, exempt, full-time position.

Requirements

Active Secret Clearance
Proven experience in a quality leadership role within defense and commercial manufacturing environments
Strong knowledge of military specifications, DoD quality requirements, DFARS, ITAR, ISO 9001, and AS9100Experience managing audits, CAPA processes, and quality system compliance
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, influence cross-functional partners, and drive change
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skill

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting both government and commercial customers
Track record of successfully scaling or improving quality systems
Commitment to continuous improvement and high-reliability manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Quality Department, including quality engineers, inspectors, and analysts
Develop, implement, and maintain quality management systems across defense and commercial programs
Ensure compliance with DoD requirements, ISO 9001, AS9100, DFARS, ITAR, and applicable customer standards
Plan and lead internal and external audits; serve as the primary quality interface during customer and regulatory audits
Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) to address nonconformances and systemic Issues
Establish and guide inspection methodologies and sampling plans based on risk, product complexity, and customer requirements
Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Production, Procurement, Materials, and Program Management to ensure quality is embedded throughout the product lifecycle
Support government and commercial customer engagements, including inspections, reviews, and quality-related communications
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, risk reduction, and customer satisfaction