Senior Quality Assurance Manager

Kearfott Corporation•Pine Brook, NJ

10h•$154,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the quality engineering and assurance organization within the Guidance, Navigation & Defense (GND) Division. This role ensures that products, processes, and systems consistently meet customer, regulatory, and industry requirements. Reporting to the Vice President of Program Management and Operations, this position plays a critical leadership role in driving strategic quality initiatives, advancing continuous improvement, and strengthening a culture of quality excellence across the organization.

Requirements

Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization
Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset
Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Collaborative, cross-functional leadership approach
Deep understanding of aerospace quality systems and standards (AS9100D)
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related technical discipline (required)
8–12+ years of experience in aerospace/defense quality engineering or quality management
Demonstrated leadership experience managing quality teams and driving organizational improvements
Strong background in regulated manufacturing environments
Familiarity with government and defense contracting requirements (DCMA, ITAR, etc.)
Must be a U.S. Citizen
This is an onsite position based in Pine Brook, NJ

Nice To Haves

APQP implementation experience highly desired
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
ASQ certifications (CQE, CQM, etc.) strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and strategic direction for quality assurance and quality control activities supporting Guidance and Navigation equipment for aerospace and defense applications
Ensure compliance with AS9100D and all applicable regulatory and customer requirements
Lead, mentor, and develop quality engineering and inspection teams, fostering accountability and professional growth
Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain leadership to drive systemic improvements in product quality and manufacturing processes
Champion root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action processes using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
Lead internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory audits, ensuring successful outcomes and timely closure of findings
Drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS)
Oversee inspection and test strategies to ensure alignment with production demands and customer expectations
Establish, monitor, and report key quality performance indicators (KPIs), trends, and risks to senior leadership
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product reliability, reduce defects, and improve operational efficiency
Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) implementation and integration across programs
Ensure the integrity and compliance of quality records, documentation, and configuration control processes